Stroller with secondary seating

ABSTRACT

A stroller system including an expandable base and two frame members is discussed. The stroller system is configured for dual occupancy and provides an expandable cargo area to a user. The first and second seats coupled to their respective frame members may be modular in nature. The second seat may also include a bench seat with optional secondary support structures. The two frame members are configured to fold independently of one another. The mechanical apparatus of the dual occupancy stroller including locking and actuator mechanisms are discussed. Additionally, the mechanism by which the front frame member folds is discussed. The disclosed stroller is capable of simultaneously carrying multiple children with a cargo area that can be extended or retracted and can carry a heavy load. The stroller is able to easily fold to a stowed state.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The disclosure relates to strollers, and more particularly, strollerswith expanded occupancy and storage capacity.

BACKGROUND

Strollers have been known and used for a number of years to provide acomfortable device to move a baby or small child. The trend withstrollers has been to reduce the size of the stroller, thus allowing itto be stored more easily. However, with the reduction of size has comethe reduction of space that the strollers provide for carryingadditional cargo, or multiple children. There remains the need for astroller that can accommodate a large volume of goods and/or a secondarychild, while still folding to a compact state.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,878,680 describes a convertible car seat and strollercombination apparatus comprising a padded child's seat having atelescopic U-shaped handle extending upward from behind the back of theseat, and a perimeter frame having four wheels extendible downward. Theapparatus is distinguishable from the present disclosure at least inbeing limited to one occupant and requiring a perimeter frame for thewheels, as well as lacking an extendable cargo area.

U.S. Pat. No. 4,896,894 describes a stroller car seat apparatuscomprising a conventional infant seat having a safety harness, aU-shaped padded front guard bar, a U-shaped telescoping handle in therear, a pivoting front footrest, and a folding rectangular scissorsframework with four wheels. The apparatus is distinguishable from thepresent disclosure at least in being limited to one child, requiring anobtrusive lower framework, and lacking an extendable cargo area.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,360,221 describes a baby carriage convertible to asafety car seat with a harness comprising a body assembly including aseat, a back, a footrest, and side plates. A wheel assembly is pivotallymounted on the body assembly and adapted to be folded back. A handleassembly is pivotally mounted on the body assembly and adapted to berotated into a horizontal position. A locking assembly locks andreleases the wheel assembly. When the carriage is converted into asafety seat, the wheel assembly is released and folded back, and thehandle assembly is rotated into a horizontal position to be used as anarm rest plate. The apparatus is distinguishable from the presentdisclosure at least in being limited to one child, requiring therotation of the handle assembly to serve as an arm rest, and lacking anextendable cargo area.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,478,096 Chien Ting describes a collapsible multi-usebaby carriage having a structure transformable into a dining chair, asafety seat in a car, a cradle, and a bed comprising a seat, a backrestpivotally connected with the seat to change the angle of the backrest, aU-shaped hand rest pivotally connected with the backrest. The structurehas a pushing handle, two opposite telescopic side tubes with a windablesupport plate between the side tubes, and a winding tubular shaft housedin a front tube of the hand rest for pulling out for supporting food.Two front and rear casters are pivotally connected with the bottom ofthe seat and foldable to the seat bottom. The carriage isdistinguishable from the present disclosure at least in being limited toone child, requiring a windable support plate and two opposite sidetubes, and lacking an extendable cargo area.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,523,840, 6,669,212 B2 and 6,523,840 B1 (relatedpatents) describe a combined shopping cart stroller, with a frame thatincludes a primarily horizontal lower frame portion having a forward endand a rearward end; a curved upper frame portion; vertical supportextending between the lower frame portion and upper frame portion; aseat mounted to the frame; and a primary cargo area, which is defined asthe space generally bounded by the lower frame portion and the upperframe portion rearward of the seating area. The shopping cart strolleris distinguished from the present disclosure at least in the front framenot extending to a point above the rearward frame when the cargo spaceis engaged, the manner in which the primary cargo space extends, as wellas the fact that the primary cargo space is unable to support the weightof an additional child.

U.S. Pat. No. 7,188,858 B2 describes a collapsible stroller, with aframe having left and right sides, each side comprising: an elongatedbottom member; a front leg; a push arm; and a support strut, wherein thefront leg, the push arm, and the support strut pivot relative to eachother when the stroller moves between the open position and the foldedposition. The stroller is distinguishable from the current disclosure atleast in being limited to one child, and not having an extendable rearcargo space.

U.K. Patent Application No. GB 2 262 914 A published on Jul. 7, 1993,describes a molded child seat for a vehicle and convertible into apushchair comprising a supporting frame having two triangular lateralsub-frames interconnected by cross rails. Each sub-frame is equippedwith a pair of mounting pins adapted to engage with appropriately shapedand positioned slots on the wheeled pushchair frame. The apparatus isdistinguishable from the present disclosure at least in being limited toone child, requiring a separate supporting frame, and lacking anextendable cargo area.

U.S. Pat. No. 5,544,904 discloses a convertible stroller and shoppingcart having a stroller portion and a shopping cart portion. The strollerportion includes a seat secured to a metal frame, and the shopping cartportion comprises a collapsible receptacle. The receptacle can beoriented in two orientations, a stowed orientation adjacent the seat anda deployed orientation over the seat. When the receptacle is deployed,it conforms to the seat, creating a shopping cart from the stroller. Theconvertible stroller is distinguishable from the present disclosure atleast in lacking the capacity to carry a second child, and in the factthat the extendable cargo area extends to occupy the same volume as thechild seat when extended.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,669,212 discloses a cart having a frame member includingupright and lateral frame portions. A platform is attached to thelateral frame portion and a stationary seat assembly is secured to theupright frame portion. The stationary seat assembly includes a rearwardfacing stationary seat, a handle and a safety bar between the seat andthe handle. A pivoting mechanism is mounted to the lateral frame portionremote from the upright frame portion. The pivoting mechanism ismoveable between a substantially upright position and a retractedposition and is located relative to a back portion of the seat. Aflexible receptacle is attached to the pivoting mechanism, and movesbetween an open and collapsed position when the pivoting mechanism ismoved between the substantially upright and the retracted position,respectively. The stationary seat and the platform are accessible whenthe pivoting mechanism is in the substantially upright position or theretracted position. The cart is distinguishable from the presentdisclosure at least in that the present disclosure is fully collapsible,can accommodate a second child, and in having an extendable cargo areawhich includes an extendable base component.

U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,378,891 and 6,170,854 disclose a convertible strollerand shopping vehicle having a stroller portion and a shopping vehicleportion. The stroller portion includes a seat which is movable from adeployed position to a stowed position. In the deployed position, thedisclosure is used as a stroller. The shopping vehicle portion includesa collapsible receptacle that can be oriented in one of twoorientations. In an open orientation, the receptacle creates a shoppingcart while in a collapsed orientation the disclosure can be used totransport bulk materials. The convertible stroller is distinguishablefrom the present disclosure at least by lacking the capacity to carry asecond child, and in the fact that the extendable cargo area extends tooccupy the same volume as the child seat when extended.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,070,180 (which has the same inventor as the presentdisclosure) discloses a stroller for carrying a user, and having anexpandable storage space located between the child seat and the rearmostframe members. This may include a first and second front frame memberfor supporting a seat or seats and back support member, a first andsecond back frame member being connected to the first and second frontframe member, an expandable base member, which connects between thefirst and second front frame member and the first and second back framemember. The expandable frame member may move between an extended and aretracted position to provide a storage area. This disclosure includes astroller with an expandable storage space, however, the volume of thestorage space is not adjustable, the invention does not providemechanisms for actuating the deployment of the extendable cargo area,the invention does not provide a rear handle lock to take the load ofadditional cargo, the invention does not provide a solution for foldingthe front seat compactly and independently of the rear frame, theinvention does not provide methods for compactly folding the upperexpandable basket, and the invention does not provide for additionalseating configurations within the expandable storage space.

U.S. Pat. No. 6,676,140 B1 discloses a two-seat collapsible strollercomprising a telescopically collapsing rear section that roughly slidesinto the front section such that the seat nests onto the front seat inthe collapsed position. This stroller differs from the presentdisclosure at least in that the second seat is a mandatory part of thestroller, and no extendable cargo area exists.

U.S. Pat. No. 8,366,141 discloses a stroller with a collapsible seat fora second child, comprising a complex coupling mechanism that enables thecollapse and expansion mechanism. It is distinguishable from the presentdisclosure at least in that the stroller's collapse mechanism for thesecond seat is substantially more complex than in the presentdisclosure, and in that it does not provide for the option of anextendable cargo area.

In general, the prior art contains a series of weaknesses which thepresent disclosure addresses. First, most prior art lacks the capacityto form an extendable cargo area while simultaneously carrying even asingle child: the cargo area extends into the area where the child wouldsit. Second, those few inventions designed to include a second childboth lack the flexibility to also include extendable storage, andinclude complex or inflexible deployment mechanisms which prevent thestrollers from being deployed easily and/or folded into compact form.The present disclosure, as will be shown, is capable of simultaneouslycarrying a child and having the cargo area extended/deployed in a waythat can handle heavy loads, is easily expanded via actuationmechanisms, is of such a nature that it can also function as additionalseating space for additional children. Finally, the present stroller isdesigned to be easily folded into a compact state for travel or storage.

The stroller of the present disclosure address the need for a multipleoccupancy baby stroller with adequate storage space which retains theability to be stowed quickly and compactly.

SUMMARY

Disclosed herein is an embodiment of a stroller comprising an expandablebase member with a first peripheral end and a second peripheral end. Afirst frame member may be pivotally connected to the expandable basemember near the first peripheral end. The first frame member may beconfigured to contain means for retaining a first seat. A second framemember comprising at least one frame mount hub may also be pivotallyconnected to the expandable base member near the second peripheral end.The first frame member and the second frame member may be configured tofold independently of each other. A second seat comprising at least oneseat mount hub may be removably connected to the second frame member byway of the at least one frame mount hub coupling with the at least oneseat mount hub.

An alternative embodiment of a stroller comprises an expandable basemember with a first peripheral end and a second peripheral end. A firstframe member may be pivotally connected to the expandable base memberproximate the first peripheral end and be configured to contain meansfor retaining a first seat. A second frame member comprising at leastone frame mount hub may be pivotally connected to the expandable basemember proximate the second peripheral end. The first frame member andthe second frame member may fold independently of one another. A secondbench seat comprising a bench seat, at least one seat mount pivot and atleast one seat mount hub may be removably connected to the second framemember by way of the at least one frame mount hub coupling with acorresponding at least one seat mount hub.

Another alternative embodiment of a stroller comprises an expandablebase member with a first peripheral end and a second peripheral end. Afirst frame member may be pivotally connected to the expandable basemember proximate the first peripheral end, where the first frame memberis configured to contain means for retaining a first seat. A secondframe member may be pivotally connected to the expandable base memberproximate the second peripheral end. The first frame member and thesecond frame member may fold independently of one another. The strollerfurther comprises a platform for supporting a standing child, where theplatform is supported by a cross-member of the expandable base memberproximate the second peripheral end. Additionally, cargo may be storedunder or above the platform.

A further alternative embodiment of a stroller comprises an expandablebase member with a first peripheral end and a second peripheral end, afirst frame member pivotally connected to the expandable base memberproximate the first peripheral end. The first frame member may beconfigured to contain means for retaining a first seat and folding to acompact state. The stroller may also comprise a second frame memberpivotally connected to the expandable base member proximate the secondperipheral end. The first and the second frame members may foldindependently of one another.

In yet another embodiment, the stroller system may comprise a firstframe member capable of being folded. The first frame member maycomprise first and second ends and an elongated portion extendingtherebetween. The first frame member may be adapted to retain a firstseat comprising a first frame portion, a second frame portion and aconnector. The first frame portion may comprise a first end pivotallyconnected to the base proximate the first end of the base, and a secondend located at an opposing end of the first frame portion, alongitudinal void disposed therein and extending along at least aportion of the length of the first frame portion between the first andsecond ends thereof. The second frame portion may comprise a first endand a second end located at an opposing end of the second frame portionfrom the first end. The connector may pivotally connect the second endof the first frame portion and the first end of the second frameportion. And the flexible link may comprise a first end mounted to aportion of the connector and a second end disposed within the elongatedvoid, and a generally elongated portion extending therebetween. Thesecond end of the link is connected to the second end of the framesupport member and at least a portion of the flexible link and thesecond end thereof travels longitudinally along the first frame portion.In a first position, the first frame portion and the second frameportion may form a generally elongated first frame extending from thefirst end of the first frame member to the second end of the secondframe member. In a second position, the first frame portion and thesecond frame portion are folded upon each other at the connector, suchthat the second end of the second frame portion is disposed adjacent thefirst end of the base.

In a further alternative embodiment, the stroller may comprise a base, aframe support member, a first frame member, and a flexible link. In suchan embodiment the base may have a first end, a second end, and anelongated portion extending therebetween. The frame support member mayhave a first end and a second end and a length extending therebetween,and the first end may be rotatably attached to the base at a pointbetween the first and second ends of the base. The first frame membermay comprise first and second ends and an elongated portion extendingtherebetween, the first frame member being adapted to retain a firstseat thereon and comprising: a first frame portion, a second frameportion and a connector. The first frame portion may comprise a firstend pivotally connected to the base proximate the first end of the base,and a second end located at an opposing end of the first frame portion,a longitudinal void disposed therein and extending along at least aportion of the length of the first frame portion between the first andsecond ends thereof. The second frame portion may comprise a first endand a second end located at an opposing end of the second frame portionfrom the first end. The connector may pivotally connect the second endof the first frame portion and the first end of the second frameportion. And the flexible link may comprise a first end mounted to aportion of the connector and a second end disposed within the elongatedvoid, and a generally elongated portion extending therebetween. Thesecond end of the link is connected to the second end of the framesupport member and at least a portion of the flexible link and thesecond end thereof travels longitudinally along the first frame portion.In a first position, the first frame portion and the second frameportion may form a generally elongated first frame extending from thefirst end of the first frame member to the second end of the secondframe member. In a second position, the first frame portion and thesecond frame portion are folded upon each other at the connector, suchthat the second end of the second frame portion is disposed adjacent thefirst end of the base.

The stroller system may also comprise an armrest, infant car seatadapter, tray or other similar element configured to be attached to thefirst frame member and capable of being folded with the first framemember.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWING

The invention may be understood by reference to the followingdescription taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, inwhich, like reference numerals identify like elements, and in which:

FIG. 1 illustrates a side elevational view of the preferred embodimentof the stroller in a retracted position;

FIG. 2 illustrates a side elevational view of the preferred embodimentof the stroller with the rear member expanded;

FIG. 3A. illustrates a side elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the stroller, in which the rear member is not expanded,and in which a cable, being connected to an extendable handle andextendable base member, runs through the frame, so that a user canengage the rear extendable member by actuating the handle;

FIG. 3B. illustrates a side elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the stroller, in which the rear member is in the processof being expanded;

FIG. 3C. illustrates a side elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the stroller in which the rear member is shown beingfurther expanded;

FIG. 3D. illustrates a side elevational view of an alternativeembodiment of the stroller in which the rear member is shown fullyexpanded;

FIG. 4 illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller, in which the rear member is not expanded, in which anexpandable frame member is engaged via sliding support members and jointmembers;

FIG. 5 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, in which the rear member isnot expanded;

FIG. 6 illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, in which the rear member isin the process of being expanded;

FIG. 7 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, in which the rear member isin the process of being expanded;

FIG. 8 illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, in which the rear member isfully expanded;

FIG. 9 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, in which the rear member isfully expanded;

FIG. 10 illustrates a side elevational view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, where the stroller is in afolded position;

FIG. 11 illustrates a rear perspective view of an alternative embodimentof the stroller as illustrated in FIG. 11, where the stroller is in afolded position.

FIG. 12 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stroller havingselectively foldable front frame members.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stroller having arear child seat.

FIG. 14 illustrates a specific alternative embodiment of a basket forthe stroller.

FIG. 15A illustrates a specific exemplary embodiment of a rear handlelock of the stroller.

FIG. 15B illustrates the lock of FIG. 15A assembled.

FIG. 15C illustrates the lock of FIG. 15B in an exploded view.

FIG. 16 illustrates a side view of a dual occupancy stroller withmodular seating.

FIG. 17 illustrates a front perspective view of the embodiment of thestroller illustrated in FIG. 16.

FIG. 18 illustrates a rear perspective view of the stroller illustratedin FIG. 16.

FIG. 19 illustrates a side view of the stroller system of FIG. 16,depicted with a second seat in an upright position.

FIG. 20 illustrates a side view of the stroller system of FIG. 16depicted with a second seat in a stowed position.

FIG. 21 illustrates an exploded view of a seat mount hub and seat mountpivot used with the stroller system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22A illustrates a first perspective view of a second seat of thestroller system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 22B illustrates a second perspective view of a second seat of thestroller system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 23A illustrates a side view of an actuator mechanism of the secondseat (as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B) in a first non-actuated position.

FIG. 23B illustrates a perspective view of an actuator mechanism of thesecond seat (as shown in FIGS. 22A and 22B) in a second actuatedposition.

FIG. 24 illustrates components of a locking mechanism.

FIG. 25A illustrates components of a secondary pivot locking mechanismin a first position.

FIG. 25B illustrates components of a secondary pivot locking mechanismin a second position.

FIG. 26 illustrates an actuator for the secondary pivot lockingmechanism of FIGS. 25A and 25B.

FIG. 27 illustrates means for attachment of a second seat to a secondframe member of the stroller system of FIG. 16.

FIG. 28 illustrates an alternative perspective view of the attachmentmeans depicted in FIG. 27.

FIG. 29 illustrates a folded embodiment of the stroller system of FIG.16.

FIG. 30 illustrates a perspective of the stroller system depicted inFIG. 29.

FIG. 31 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a stroller systemadapted for attachment of a modular second seat or bench seat.

FIG. 32A illustrates a side view of the stroller system depicted in FIG.31, having a bench seat in a stowed position.

FIG. 32B illustrates a side view of the stroller system depicted in FIG.31, having a bench seat in a deployed position.

FIG. 33A illustrates a perspective view of the stroller depicted in FIG.32A, having a bench seat in a stowed position.

FIG. 33B illustrates a perspective view of the stroller depicted in FIG.32B, having a bench seat in a deployed position.

FIG. 34 illustrates a stroller system having a bench seat with secondarysupport structures.

FIG. 35 illustrates a rear perspective view of the bench seat of FIG.34.

FIG. 36A illustrates a side view of the stroller system with a benchseat with secondary support structures (as depicted in FIG. 34) in astowed position.

FIG. 36B illustrates a side view of the stroller system with a benchseat with secondary support structures (as depicted in FIG. 34) in adeployed position.

FIG. 37 illustrates an exploded view of the seat mount hub and seatmount pivot for pivoting the bench seat depicted in FIGS. 34-36B.

FIG. 38A illustrates a perspective view of the actuator mechanism forreleasing a secondary seat (bench seat) and/or pivoting the secondaryseat (bench seat) in a first position.

FIG. 38B illustrates a perspective view of the actuator mechanism forreleasing a secondary seat (bench seat) and/or pivoting the secondaryseat (bench seat) in a second position.

FIG. 38C illustrates a perspective view of the actuator mechanism forreleasing a secondary seat (bench seat) and/or pivoting the secondaryseat (bench seat) in a third position.

FIG. 38D illustrates a perspective view of the actuator mechanism forreleasing a secondary seat (bench seat) and/or pivoting the secondaryseat (bench seat) in a fourth position.

FIG. 39 illustrates the stroller system of FIG. 34 with a bench seat ina folded state.

FIG. 40A illustrates a side view of a stroller system with a front seatframe fold mechanism in a first position.

FIG. 40B illustrates a side view of a stroller system (as depicted inFIG. 40A) with a front seat frame fold mechanism in a second,partially-folded, position.

FIG. 40C illustrates a side view of a stroller system (as depicted inFIG. 40A) with a front seat frame fold mechanism in a third,partially-folded, position.

FIG. 40D illustrates a side view of a stroller system (as depicted inFIG. 40A) with a front seat frame fold mechanism in a fourth,fully-folded, position.

FIG. 41A illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stroller systemdepicted in FIG. 40A.

FIG. 41B illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stroller systemdepicted in FIG. 40B.

FIG. 41C illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stroller systemdepicted in FIG. 40C.

FIG. 41D illustrates a cross-sectional view of the stroller systemdepicted in FIG. 40D.

FIG. 42 illustrates an exploded view of a connection hub.

FIG. 43 illustrates a connection hub.

FIG. 44 illustrates a connection hub as the front frame member isfolded.

FIG. 45 illustrates the attachment of the connection hub to the secondportion of the first frame member.

FIG. 46 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller system with anarmrest.

FIG. 47 further illustrates an embodiment of the stroller system with anarmrest.

FIG. 48 illustrates the attachment of the armrest to the connection hub.

FIG. 49A illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of strollersystem (as depicted in FIG. 47) with the armrest in a deployed state inconnection with the folding of the front frame.

FIG. 49B illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the strollersystem (as depicted in FIG. 47) with the armrest in a partially foldedstate in connection with the folding of the front frame.

FIG. 49C illustrates a perspective view of an embodiment of the strollersystem (as depicted in FIG. 47) with the armrest in a fully folded statein connection with the folding of the front frame.

FIG. 50A illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an armrest(as depicted in FIG. 46) in a first position.

FIG. 50B illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an armrest(as depicted in FIG. 46) in a second, partially-folded, position.

FIG. 50C illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an armrest(as depicted in FIG. 46) in a third, partially-folded, position.

FIG. 50D illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an armrest(as depicted in FIG. 46) in a fourth, fully-folded, position.

FIG. 51A illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thestroller with an infant car seat adapter in a first position.

FIG. 51B illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thestroller with an infant car seat adapter in a second position.

FIG. 51C illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thestroller with an infant car seat adapter in a third position.

FIG. 52 illustrates a side perspective view of the embodiment of thestroller with an infant car seat adapter.

FIG. 53A illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an infant carseat adapter (as depicted in FIG. 52) in a first position.

FIG. 53B illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an infant carseat adapter (as depicted in FIG. 52) in a second, partially-folded,position.

FIG. 53C illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an infant carseat adapter (as depicted in FIG. 52) in a third, partially-folded,position.

FIG. 53D illustrates a side view of a stroller system with an infant carseat adapter (as depicted in FIG. 52) in a fourth, fully-folded,position.

FIG. 54 illustrates an exploded view the modular arrangement of theinfant car seat adapter and armrest.

FIG. 55 illustrates the modular arrangement of the infant car seatadapter and armrest in connection with the portion of a frame member ofa stroller.

FIG. 56 further illustrates the modular arrangement of the infant carseat adapter and armrest.

FIG. 57 illustrates a side perspective view of an embodiment of thestroller system with a tray attachment.

FIG. 58A illustrates an alternative embodiment of the stroller systemwith an A-frame structure and flexible link in a first, “in-use”,configuration. FIG. 58B illustrates an alternative embodiment of thestroller system (as depicted in FIG. 58A) with an A-frame structure andflexible link in a second, stowed, configuration.

FIG. 59A illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the strollersystem with an A-frame structure and flexible link in a first, “in-use”,configuration.

FIG. 59B illustrates a second alternative embodiment of the strollersystem (as depicted in FIG. 59A) with an A-frame structure and flexiblelink in a second, stowed, configuration.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Embodiments of the present stroller allow for the stroller to be capableof expanded occupancy and storage capacity. In general, embodiments ofthe present invention are directed to strollers with expandable cargoareas which may be extended or retracted and can carry a heavy load. Thestrollers are also capable of simultaneously carrying multiplepassengers. Furthermore, the strollers are able to be easily folded to astowed state.

The following description of the preferred embodiment or embodiments isnot intended to limit the scope of the invention to the precise form orforms disclosed, but instead is intended to be illustrative of theprinciples of the invention so that others skilled in the art may followits teachings.

In general, the expandable stroller of the present invention comprisestwo mirror-imaged structural frames connected to each other by crossmembers. As the cross members may be placed in any suitable position,and since the structural frame members are mirror images, the discussionof the structure of the present invention will focus on a single frame.One skilled in the art will recognize that the description will applyequally to the mirrored frame.

FIG. 1 illustrates an embodiment of a stroller 100 shown at a sideelevational view in which a foldable base member 106 is in a stowed(non-engaged) position. FIG. 1 illustrates a base main frame member 101roughly parallel to the ground, a front frame member 102, and a rearmain frame member 103 roughly perpendicular to the ground. The frontframe member 102 is substantially diagonal to the base main frame member101. The main frame section of the present invention, comprised ofmembers 101, 102, and 103 is comprised of two mirror sides, connected bycross members. The bottom end, or a section substantially near thebottom end of the rear frame member 103 is connected to the base mainframe member 101 at or substantially near the rear end of the base mainframe member 101. In the present embodiment, frame members 101 and 103are connected at or substantially at a right angle, so that the basemain frame member 101 is parallel or substantially parallel to theground, and the rear main frame member 103 is vertical or substantiallyvertical. In some embodiments, the angle at which frame members 101 and103 are connected may be substantially acute or obtuse. In someembodiments, rear main frame member 103 may attach near the middle orfront of the base main frame member 101. In some alternativeembodiments, the rear main frame member 103 may be located generallymidway along the base main frame member 101. In some alternativeembodiments, the rear main frame member 103 may be located near thenexus of the base main frame member 101 and a seat member 104. In somealternative embodiments, frame member 103 may not be present.

FIG. 1 further illustrates the front frame member 102 connects to framemembers 101 and 103 to complete the main frame section. FIG. 1illustrates that the top, or a section substantially near the top, ofthe front frame member 102 is connected at or substantially near the topof the rear main frame member 103, and the bottom, or a sectionsubstantially near the bottom, of the front frame member 102 isconnected at or substantially near the front of the base main framemember 101. In some alternative embodiments, the rear main frame member103 may be joined to the front frame member 102 at alternativelocations, such as nearer to the middle or front of the front framemember 102. One skilled in the art will recognize that the location ofthe connections between members 102 and 103, and 101 and 103 willlargely determine the angle of 103.

In the present invention, members 101, 102, and 103 are made out of asingle piece of material. In alternative embodiments, members 101, 102,and 103 may be composed of two or more separate components, so as tochange the angle of the handle of the stroller, and to enable folding(see FIGS. 5a-d , 6, 12, and 13). The means with which frame members101, 102, and 103 are connected can be by screws, brackets, welds,rivets or any other suitably strong means. Additionally, frame members101, 102, and 103 may be made of metal, plastic, or any other suitablystrong material. In alternative embodiments, there may be handlesconnected at or near the junctions of frame members 102 and 103, or atthe top-rearmost end of member 102. Furthermore, the handle may serve asa cross-member, linking the mirrored frames of the invention.

FIG. 1 illustrates that the wheel members 105 are attached at or aroundthe junctions of frame members 101 and 102, and 101 and 103. In thepresent embodiment, wheel members 105 can rotate freely 360 degreesalong the axis (as, e.g., swivel wheels). In alternative embodiments,the wheels can have other degrees of rotational freedom. FIG. 1illustrates seat member 104, which is attached to the front frame member102. Seat member 104 may be made from a flexible material, for examplefabric or durable plastic cloth. Alternatively, seat member 104 may bemade from a harder material, for example solid plastic, metal, or anyother suitable material, and may or may not be covered with a paddingmaterial for child comfort. The present invention shows seat member 104containing a canopy, in order to protect a child from sun, rain, or anyother weather. In a preferred embodiment, this canopy is retractable,allowing the child to enjoy pleasant weather. In alternativeembodiments, this canopy may be fixed in a way so that it cannot beretracted, or it may be absent altogether. In alternative embodiments,seat member 104 may be replaced by at least one seat attachment device,in which alternate seat configurations such as modular seats, car seats,carry cots or alternate child restraint systems may be mounted to theseat attachment device and or frame support members.

FIG. 1 additionally illustrates a foldable base member 106, which foldsand/or pivots out to form a rear base member. FIG. 1 shows this foldablebase member 106 in a retracted position, so that the foldable basemember 106 is not engaged. FIG. 1 illustrates the foldable base member106 attached to the main frame section at or substantially near thenexus of main frame members 101 and 103. In alternative embodiments, thefoldable base member 106 may be attached to the base main frame member101, or the wheel/wheel assembly of the wheel member 105. In the currentembodiment, the foldable base member 106 is deployed via actuator 150,which engages cable 120 to release pin 141. In alternate embodiments,the location of actuators and locking devices or cables may be at anypoint along the frame or wheel members. In alternate embodiments,actuators may be levers, buttons, or any other suitable device fordeploying the foldable base member 106. When folded up, the foldablebase member 106 may sit substantially vertical, and flush up against therear main frame member 103, and when folded down, the foldable basemember 106 may sit substantially parallel to the ground, aligned to beroughly parallel with the base main frame member 101. In alternativeembodiments, stowed, the foldable base member 106 may sit parallel tothe base main frame member 101, or at any suitable position betweenmembers 101 and 103. The foldable base member 106 can be constructed ofmetal, plastic or any other suitably strong material so as to supportthe weight of a child and/or any additional items carried in the cargoarea when the stroller is configured as such. The present inventionshows the foldable base member 106 as being a single piece of material.In alternative embodiments, the foldable base member 106 may becomprised of multiple parts, so as to be telescopic (retracting andextending), slideable, or otherwise shortenable so as to be lessnoticeable when folded up. Additionally, the foldable base member 106may be made so as to be completely detachable. In some embodiments, thefoldable base member 106 may be attached via a quick release mechanism.

FIG. 1 illustrates a wheel member 107, which is attached at orsubstantially near the top of the foldable base member 106 (when member106 is folded vertically), so that when folded down, the base of therear cargo section is more stable because of the support provided bywheel member 107. In alternate embodiments, wheel member 107 may not beattached to the foldable base member 106, if member 106 is of a lengththat does not require additional support. The wheel member 107 cancomprise one or a plurality of wheels. In the present embodiment, wheelmember 107 can only rotate at a limited angle along the axis (e.g., alimited-movement swivel). In alternative embodiments, the wheel orwheels can have other degrees of rotational freedom.

FIG. 1 illustrates handle member 109, which is pivotally affixed to thefront frame member 102. In alternative embodiments, the handle member109 may be attached to, or be an integral part of a telescopic expansionof mirrored frame members 102 (as illustrated in FIG. 5). In someembodiments, handle 109 may be attached to mirrored frame members 103,or may be attached to, or be an integral part of a telescopic expansionof mirrored frame members 103. The range of motion at which the handlemember 109 can pivot is not limited to particular angles with respect tomembers 103 and 102. Additionally, in alternative embodiments, thehandle member 109 may be connected to a different member of the mainframe section, as long as its primary functionality of providing acomfortable pushing and steering mechanism for the device is maintained.Handle member 109 can be made out of metal, plastic, or any othersimilarly suitable material. In alternative embodiments, the handle 109can be shaped differently; with its design not being limited to anyparticular curved or straight shapes, and in alternative embodiments maybe designed as two separate left and right handles (hence not linkingmirrored frame members). This handle 109 can be made out of plastic,metal, or some other suitable material, and may additionally be wrappedin foam, rubber, fabric, or some other padding material.

FIG. 2 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100 in which thefoldable base member 106 is in the deployed state. The embodiment shownis similar to that shown in FIG. 1, but with the foldable base member106 folded down along its joint with the structural frame so as to beroughly parallel to the ground and the base main frame member 101. FIG.2 additionally shows the position of wheel member 107 when the foldablebase member 106 is folded down such that the wheel member 107 is incontact with the ground so as to provide support for the foldable basemember 106. Additionally, FIG. 2 illustrates how handle 109 can beconstructed to telescopically expand as a means to lengthen the handle.In the illustrated embodiment, the telescopic expansion of handle 109actuates the deployment of the foldable base member 106 by pulling cable120, which engages pulley 121 to release pin 141. In other embodiments,the placement of pin 141 can be located at any location in which releaseof the foldable base member 106 or wheel member 107 can occur. In otherembodiments, pin 141 may be a lock, clamp, or other retaining mechanismto allow member 106 to move from a stowed to a deployed state (See FIGS.5A-D for more detail). In alternative embodiments, a lever or buttonactuation mechanism can release the pin, lock, clamp, or other retainingmechanism holding the foldable base member 106, thus allowing it todeploy. In other embodiments, the cable and/or pulley mechanisms may runthrough or along other frame members, or any combination of framemembers, which result in deployment of the foldable base member 106. Thelever or button to release the foldable base member 106 can be locatedat many locations along stroller 100, and may be actuated by hand, byfoot, or a combination of the two.

FIGS. 3A-D illustrate various embodiments of the stroller 100 shown at aside elevational view with the foldable base member 106 not engaged, andwith alternative embodiments in some of the members. FIG. 3A.illustrates base main frame member 101, expandable base main framemember 101 b, front frame members 102 and 102 a, and rear main framemember 103. The main frame section of the present invention is comprisedof mirrored structural frames connected by cross members, each mirroredstructural frame comprising members 101, 101 b, 102, 102 a, and 103.

FIG. 3A. illustrates the base of the stroller 100 as being comprised ofbase main frame members 101 and 101 b, and as being substantiallyparallel with the ground. FIG. 3A. illustrates base main frame member101 as forming the frontward section of the extendable base framemember, and 101 b as forming the rearward section of the extendable baseframe member. Members 101 and 101 b are designed to form an expandingbase. This is accomplished by having parts 101 and 101 b move parallelrelative to one another. In some embodiments, this may be done by havingthe two components slide (as, e.g., on rails) parallel to each other. Inother embodiments, one component may telescope within another. In otherembodiments still, one component or another may be made ofsub-components which allow the part itself to telescope within itself.Specifically, FIG. 3A. illustrates frame member 101 fitting insideextendable frame member 101 b. In an alternative embodiment, member 101b can fit inside member 101; in yet another alternative embodiment,member 101 b itself may be composed of multiple, telescoping components.In yet another embodiment, member 101 may have rails on which 101 bmoves. In still other embodiments, 101 b may have rails along which 101moves. In a further embodiment, members 101 and 101 b slide along eachother for extension and retraction. The means with which members 101 and101 b are connected can be by screws, brackets, welds, pins, rails,slots, slides, or any other suitably strong means. Members 101 and 101 bcan be made out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly suitablystrong material. The bottom end, or a section substantially near thebottom end, of the rear main frame member 103 is connected to theextendable base main frame member 101.

In the present embodiment, frame members 101 and 103 are connected at asubstantially acute angle in relation to the front of the frame, so thatthe rear main frame member 103 is leaning substantially towards thefront of the stroller (see FIG. 3A.). In alternative embodiments, theangle at which frame members 101 and 103 are connected may besubstantially more acute, obtuse, or may form a substantially rightangle, with relation to the front of the stroller. The means with whichframe members 101 and 103 are connected can be by screws, brackets,welds, pins, or any other suitably strong means. In alternativeembodiments, the lower end of the rear main frame member 103 may beattached to extendable member 101 b. In preferred versions of thisembodiment, the rear main frame member 103 is slidably attached toextendable member 101 b, so that the movement of the expandable member101 b does not substantially alter the angle at which the rear mainframe member 103 is attached. The rear main frame member 103 can be madeout of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material.

FIG. 3A. illustrates the front frame member 102, with the bottom end, ora section substantially near the bottom end, of the front frame member102 connecting to the front, or a section substantially near the front,of base main frame member 101. In the present embodiment, members 101and 102 are connected at a substantially acute angle in relation to thefront of the frame, so that frame member 102 is leaning substantiallytowards the rear of the stroller (see FIG. 3A). In alternativeembodiments, the angle at which frame members 101 and 102 are connectedmay be substantially more obtuse, acute, or may form a substantiallyright angle, with relation to the front of the frame of the stroller, solong as it still forms a sturdy frame to support the potential load onthe stroller. Additionally, the front frame member 102 can be made outof metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material.

FIG. 3A. illustrates a top portion of a front frame member 102 a, whichconnects to the top of the front frame member 102. Additionally, the topof the rear main frame member 103 may connect to the top portion of thefront frame member 102 a at about the middle of 102 a's length, thuscompleting the main frame section. In alternate embodiments, the nexuspoint at which frame members connect can be at any optimal geometricposition. The means with which the top portion of the front frame member102 a connects to frame members 102 and 103 can be by screws, brackets,welds, pins, pivots, slides, or any other suitably strong means.Additionally, the top portion of the front frame member 102 a can bemade out of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material.

FIG. 3A. illustrates that wheel members 105 are attached at or aroundthe junctions of frame members 101 and 102, and near the end of 101 b.In alternate embodiments, front wheel placement can be orientedindependently to either member 101, 101 b or 102 respectively. The rearwheels extend along with member 101 b, as it extends to form the rearbase member. In the present embodiment, wheel members 105 can rotatefreely 360 degrees along the axis, as on, e.g., a swivel. In alternativeembodiments, the wheels can have other degrees of rotational freedom.

FIG. 3A. illustrates extendable handle member 102 b, cable member 120,cable connection point 121(a and b), and pulley members 122, which, inaddition to extendable base member 101 b, comprise the means with whichthe rear base member is extended. Extendable handle member 102 b movesparallel to member 102 a. In a preferred embodiment, this sliding motionis accomplished by making the extendable handle member 102 b fittelescopically within 102 a. In alternative embodiments, 102 b slidesnext to 102 a, as though with rails, slots, slides, or other guides, ormay fit inside of 102 b. In yet other embodiments, the extendable handlemember 102 b comprises multiple pieces and telescopes within itself tocontract and extend. Cable connection point 121 a is attached at a pointalong the length of handle member 102 b, and cable connection point 121b is attached at a point along the length of 101 b. FIG. 3A.additionally illustrates cable member 120, which is the primarymechanism through which the expandable base member is engaged anddisengaged. Cable member 120 is threaded through or alongside framemembers 101 b, 103, 102 a and 102 b, and is additionally threadedthrough pulley members 122 in order to connect connection points 121.FIG. 3A. illustrates pulley members 122 as being located near thejunctions of members 103 and 102 a, and members 103 and 101 b,respectively. Cable member 120 can be made out of metal or some othersimilarly strong material. The pulley members 122 assist cable member120 to move smoothly within the frame of the stroller 100. Inalternative embodiments, pulley members 122 may be located at differentpoints within the frame of the stroller, or may be some similarlysuitable device for assisting cable member 120 to move smoothly withinthe frame of the stroller. Pulley members 122 can be made out ofplastic, metal, or any other suitably strong material.

FIG. 3A. illustrates the extendable handle member 102 b in asubstantially retracted position. When member 102 b is in a retractedposition, the rear cargo area is not engaged; when member 102 b isextended by the user, the expandable base main frame member 101 bextends via cable member 120, connection point members 121 a, 121 b andpulley members 122, thus extending the expandable base main frame member101 b. Additionally, when fully extended, the extendable handle 102 band the expandable base main frame member 101 b selectively lock intoplace, so that the expandable base main frame member 101 b andexpandable handle member 102 b are selectively secured to stroller 100.Attached to the end of the extendable handle member 102 b is handle 119.Handle 119 can be have a variety of possible shapes; with its design notbeing limited to any particular curved or straight shapes, and inalternative embodiments may be designed as two separate left and righthandles, attached to mirrored members 102 b. This handle 119 can be madeout of plastic, metal, or any other suitable material, and mayadditionally be wrapped in foam, rubber, fabric, or any other suitablepadding material.

In the present embodiment, members 102 b and 101 b are extended manuallyvia cable member 120, in alternative embodiments, some other mechanicaldevice may be used to automatically extend members 102 b and 101 b. Inyet other alternative embodiments, springs or some other similarlysuitable means to store and release potential energy may be attached tomember 102 b or member 101 b to assist the user in engaging the rearbase member.

FIG. 3b . illustrates a stroller 100 in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members102 b and 101 b beginning to be extended to form the expandable basemain frame member.

FIG. 3c . illustrates a stroller 100 in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members102 b and 101 b being extended further, so that the expandable base mainframe member is almost fully engaged.

FIG. 3d . illustrates a stroller 100 in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members102 b and 101 b in a fully extended and locked position, so thatexpandable base main frame member is fully engaged.

FIG. 4 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100, shown at a sideelevational view, in which the expandable base main frame member 101 bis not engaged, and with alternative embodiments in some of the members.The stroller 100 illustrated in FIG. 4 has a folding capability (seeFIGS. 10-11). The stroller 100 is folded via a locking joint 130 andjoint members 128 a, and 128 b. Release of locking joint 130 allows therear main frame member 103 to fold forward (see FIG. 10-11). Release ofjoint member 128 a (not shown), allows members 102 and 102 c to folddownward (see FIGS. 12-13). In alternative embodiments, this foldingcapability may not be present. The rear main frame member 103, seatmember 104, and wheel members 105 are functionally identical to thoseillustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and seat member 104 is mounted to front framemember 102. Additionally, base main frame members 101 and 101 b arefunctionally identical to those illustrated in FIGS. 3A-D.

FIG. 4 illustrates front frame member 102, the top of which is connectedto a joint member 128 b (see FIG. 6), and the bottom, or a sectionsubstantially near the bottom, of member 102 being connected to jointmember 128 a (see FIG. 6). FIG. 4 also illustrates a lower portion ofthe front frame member 102 c, the top of which is connected to jointmember 128 a, and the bottom, or a section substantially near thebottom, of the lower portion of the front frame member 102 c isconnected to the base main frame member 101. Joint member 128 a allowsframe members 102 and 102 c to move from an unfolded position (see FIG.6) to a folded position (see FIGS. 10-11). Joint members 128 a and 128 bcan be made out of plastic, metal, or any other suitably strongmaterial. FIG. 4 introduces diagonal support frame member 123. The topof diagonal support frame member 123 is connected with a slide somewherealong frame member 102, in such a way as to allow it to slide alongmember 102; the bottom of the diagonal support frame member 123 isconnected at, or substantially near, the rear end of base main framemember 101. In alternative embodiments, the points at which the diagonalsupport frame member 123 attaches to members 102 and 101 may bedifferent, so long as the diagonal support frame member 123 is stillable to provide structural support for the main frame of the strollerand to slide during folding. In yet another embodiment, the top of thediagonal support frame member 123 may be attached to the lower portionof the front frame member 102 c, instead of the front frame member 102.The means with which the diagonal support frame member 123 attaches tomembers 102 (or 102 c) and 101 can be by slots, screws, clamps,brackets, pins, slides or any other similarly suitable means.Additionally, the diagonal support frame member 123 can be made out ofmetal, plastic, or any other suitably strong material. FIG. 4additionally illustrates footrest member 104 a, which is attached nearor substantially near the front end of base main frame member 101. Inalternative embodiments, the footrest member 104 a may be placed at adifferent location on the frame of the stroller, or may be connected toseat member 104. Additionally, the footrest member 104 a can be made outof plastic, metal, or any other similarly suitable material, and mayadditionally be wrapped in foam, rubber, fabric, or some other paddingmaterial.

FIG. 5 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100 shown in a rearperspective view. FIG. 5 illustrates cross members 115 and 128; FIG. 5additionally illustrates extendable support member 125. In the shownembodiment, the extendable support member 125 is a three-sided, u-shapedtube. In alternate embodiments, extendable support member 125 may beparallel tubes connected between the frame members 102 (through joint128 b) and 103 without a third tube cross-member. In this embodiment,extendable support member 125 and expandable base frame member 101 b arethe primary means with which the rear cargo area is engaged (see FIG.8). In the un-engaged position, the top, or a portion substantially nearthe top, of extendable support member 125 is connected to joint member128 b; the bottom, or a portion substantially near the bottom, of member125 is connected to frame member 103 in such a way as to allow it toslide vertically along member 103 and to pivot about that same point.The extendable support member 125 is able to move from a closed,substantially vertical, position, to an open, substantially horizontal,position by sliding the base of the u shape vertically along member 103.As the extendable support member 125 is lifted along member 103, it ispushed to a substantially horizontal position (see FIG. 10) via jointmembers 128 b. This creates a new distance between 102 and 103, whichsimultaneously causes base member 101 b to move parallel to 101 toextend the base of the frame (see FIGS. 6 and 7), which simultaneouslyexpands member 101 b, and thus engages the rear cargo area. Inalternative embodiments, there may be springs, pulleys, motors, or someother mechanism, which assists the user of the stroller 100 to expandmembers 125 and 101 b. In alternate embodiments, the expandable supportmember 125 may have additional expansion capabilities beyond pivotingupward, such as expanding telescopically while also pivoting into anexpanded position, or expanding via hinges. When the expandable supportmember 125 is in a closed position, it locks into position. The meanswith which the expandable support member 125 locks into place can be bypin, snap, strap, slot, clamp or any other similarly suitable method.Additionally, the expandable support member 125 can lock into place atvarious intervals along the height of 103, to provide for variableexpansion. The means with which member the expandable support member 125locks into place can be by pin, snap, strap, slot, clamp or any othersimilarly suitable method. The expandable support member 125 can be madeout of metal, plastic, or any other similarly strong material.

FIG. 6 illustrates a stroller 100 in accordance with the teachings ofthe present invention, shown at a side elevational view, with members125 and 101 b in the process of being extended to form the rear cargoarea. As discussed above, in some embodiments, the expandable supportmember 125 may lock in an intermediate position along the height of therear main frame member 103, thus achieving variable expansion of thebase. In another embodiment, the total movement of the expandablesupport member 125 may be limited to an intermediate position, with theexpandable support member 125 serving as side frame members once theextendable base has selectively expanded.

FIG. 7 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100, shown in a rearperspective view, in which members 125 and 101 b being extended to formthe rear cargo area.

FIG. 8 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100, shown, shown at aside elevational view, in which the rear cargo area is fully extended.FIG. 8 additionally illustrates basket member 127, the top of whichattaches to the extendable support member 125, the front of whichattaches to cross member 128, and the back of which attaches to the rearmain frame member 103. In alternate embodiments, basket member 127 mayattach at or near any frame member, joint, pivot or hub in whichattachment renders the basket to a usable state. Basket member 127 canbe made out of fabric or some other similarly soft material, or mayadditionally be made out of plastic or some other similarly rigidmaterial. The basket member 127 attaches to the frame of the stroller bysnaps, straps, or any other similarly suitable means of attachment.

FIG. 9 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100 shown at a rearperspective view, with the rear cargo area fully engaged.

FIG. 10 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100 shown at a sideelevational view in a folded position. The stroller is folded byreleasing joint members 130 via a release mechanism, which allows therear main frame member 103 to fold forward to a substantially horizontalposition. Additionally, joint members 128 a and 128 b allows front framemembers 102 and 102 c to fold downward, thus allowing member 103 to foldfully forward. The mechanism with which joint members 130 are releasedcan be a button, spring, latch, or any other similarly suitable method.

FIG. 11 illustrates an embodiment of the stroller 100 shown at a rearperspective view in a folded position.

In addition to the foregoing embodiments, the present inventioncontemplates other specific exemplary alternative embodiments. Forexample, FIG. 12 illustrates a specific alternative embodiment of astroller 100 that provides selectively foldable front frame members102/102C in which the members are rotatably jointed to create a topportion 102 and a bottom portion 102C of each front member. An actuator,such as a cable arrangement connected to the rotatable joint of eachfront member, effects folding of the front members upon actuation.Specific exemplary embodiments further provide a rotatable, front member102C extending from bottom frame member 101, which is slidably coupledto support member 102D, and from which the support member also rotatablypivots to provide support while still allowing the front members to beselectively folded or deployed. Additional specific exemplaryembodiments further provide that member 102C may have a shock or dampersystem.

FIG. 13 illustrates an alternative embodiment of a stroller 100.Specific exemplary embodiments provide the rear cargo area with afoldable child seat 210 that is selectively detachable from the rearcargo area. Embodiments may provide a floor platform upon which apassenger may step up to access the chair, or stand, as the case may be.For safety and other considerations, specific exemplary embodiments ofthe stroller, the floor platform is cropped to extend less than the fulllength of member 101B.

FIG. 14 illustrates an alternative embodiment of basket 127. Anotherspecific alterative embodiment provides a selectively foldable basket400 that is selectively mountable to handle 109, front frame member 102,rear frame member 103, support member 125, or rear cargo area platform101C. Specific exemplary embodiments of basket 400 have one or moreelastic members 410A, 410B, which mount to base panels 430A & 430Brespectively, and which are held in place by restraints 420A and 420B,which combined cause basket 400 to snap into a more compact positionwhen the basket is folded. Base panels 430A, 430B pivot around hinge440. Side Panels 450A, 450B comprise the upper sides of basket 400.Members 460A, 460B provide a potential surface in which to mount basket400 to stroller 100 frame members.

FIG. 15A illustrates a specific exemplary embodiment of the lockingjoint or rear handle lock 130 of a stroller 100. The rear handle lock130 provides, for example, a mechanism consisting of rear main framemember 103 (tube), pivot, locking pins, shuttle, locking plates, spring,spring stop, lock actuator, and cable. A rear main frame member 103 hasslots cut into it to allow limited travel of the pins up and downparallel to the handle and along the center plane of rear main framemember 103. The pivot is a metal pin, for example, that facilitatesrotational motion of the rear frame member relative to the lockingplates. The locking pins provide the locking bar for restraining therear frame member's rotation relative to the locking plates. The shuttlemay be a plastic part, for example, that slides up and down inside thehandle tube and couples the pins so they slide up and down at the sametime. The shuttle is constantly pushed upon (downward) by a springpushing the shuttle and pins into a locked position. The shuttle has acable attached to it in which a lock actuator on or near the handlepulls the cable and hence moves the shuttle and pins to an unlockedstate. The unlocked state is a state in which the pins are now insidethe circular track of the locking plate and the rear main frame member103 can now be rotated freely to a non-use state (folded state). Thelocking plates may be mounted to the lower expandable base frame member101B and may be located on each side of the rear frame members 103. Thelocking plates may employ tracks or slide-by-slide translation andlocking pockets for the pins to travel in. The pins may be spring loadedto lock into the locking pockets when the handle is rotated to theappropriate angle to line up with the locking pockets. Locking pocketsmay be designed for both a stowed (folded) state and erected (unfolded)state.

FIG. 15B illustrates lock 130 assembled.

FIG. 15C depicts lock 130 in an exploded view.

FIGS. 16-39 are related to embodiments of the stroller comprisingexpandable base members and having structural configurations which allowfor multiple occupancy. In particular, FIGS. 16-30 are generallydirected at an embodiment of the stroller with a secondary seatingcapacity in the form of a modular rear seat. Additionally, FIGS. 31-39are generally directed at an embodiment of the stroller with secondaryseating capacity in the form of a rear jump seat.

In particular, FIGS. 16-30 are related to an embodiment of the strollercomprising an expandable base member with a first peripheral end and asecond peripheral end. In this embodiment, a first frame member may bepivotally connected to the expandable base member near the firstperipheral end. The first frame member may be configured to containmeans for retaining a first seat. A second frame member comprising atleast one frame mount hub may also be pivotally connected to theexpandable base member near the second peripheral end. The first framemember and the second frame member may be configured to foldindependently of each other. A second seat comprising at least one seatmount hub may be removably connected to the second frame member by wayof each of the at least one frame mount coupling with a correspondingseat mount hub. The second seat may be modular in nature.

FIG. 16. illustrates a stroller system 500, having a first frame member502 pivotally connected to an expandable base 501. The first framemember 502 is connected to the expandable base member 501 at a locationtowards the front end 501 a of the stroller 500 and expandable base 501.A second frame member 503 is also pivotally connected to the expandablebase 501 at a second end of the expandable base 501 located towards therear 501 b of the stroller 500, opposite the front end of the stroller500. A proximal end 502 a of the first frame member 502 may be pivotallyconnected to the expandable base member 501 and may contain means forretaining a first seat 504. The first seat 504 may be integrally mountedto the first frame member 502, as shown in FIG. 16. Alternatively, thefirst seat 504 may be removable, and may be, for example, a modularseat, car seat, carry cot, or any other suitable child restraint system.

The second frame member 503 is adapted to pivot about a pivot joint 506located towards the rear 501 b of the expandable base member 501. Thepivot joint 506 may include locking mechanisms configured to rotatablyjoin a proximal end 503 a of the second frame member 503 to theexpandable base member 501. The pivot joint 506 may also be configuredto allow the second frame member 503 to fold relative to the expandablebase member 501. In an open position, such as that shown in FIG. 16, thesecond frame member 503 is generally perpendicular to the expandablebase member 501. In some embodiments, the second frame member 503 mayform an acute or obtuse angle with the expandable base member 501. Theangle formed between the second frame member 503 and the expandable basemember 501 may be determined by the configuration of the pivot joint506, which connects the two members. The first frame member 502 and thesecond frame member 503 may each fold towards the expandable base member501 independently of one another. For example, the first frame member502 may fold towards the expandable base member 501, while a distal end502 b of the front frame member 502 moves towards the rear of thestroller 501 b. Likewise, a distal end 503 b of the second frame member503 may fold towards the front of the stroller 501 a, while the rearframe member 503 folds down towards the expandable base member 501.

A second seat 505 may be removably coupled to the second frame member503. As will be discussed in more detail below with respect to at leastFIGS. 27-28, and 31, the second seat 505 is configured to be removablyattached to the second frame member 503 at one or more attachment pointsthat are generally located between the proximate and distal ends 503 aand 503 b of the second frame member 503. The second seat 505 may alsobe configured to rotate with respect to the second frame member 503 inorder to recline, move to an upright position and moved to a stowedposition. As shown in FIG. 16, the second seat 505 is in a rear facingand reclined configuration; however the second seat 505 may rotate withrespect to the second frame member 503 and also be mounted on the secondframe member in a forward facing position.

As shown in FIG. 16, in one embodiment of the stroller, the expandablebase member 501 may be telescopic in nature. The expandable base memberas shown in the embodiment presented in FIG. 16 is substantially similarto the base main frame member 101 and expandable base main frame member101 b system described above.

The individual members of the stroller system 500 may be made of asingle piece of material. Alternatively, the members of the strollersystem may be composed of two or more separate member components. Themeans by which the member components are connected may include screws,brackets, welds, rivets, rails, slots, slides and/or any other suitablystrong means. The members of the stroller system may be made fromflexible material and/or harder material such as plastic, metal or anyother suitable material. Additional padding materials may be attached tothe components of the stroller system.

FIG. 17 provides a perspective view of the stroller 500. A platform 507may be mounted proximate the rear end 501 b of the expandable basemember 501. The platform 507 is supported by a cross-member 508 of theexpandable base member 501, which is also located proximate the rear end501 b of the expandable base member 501. The platform 507 may be used tosupport a standing passenger, or cargo, and may be mounted on thestroller 500 with or without a second seat 505 being retained within thesecond frame member 503. The platform 507 may attach to the cross-member508 of the expandable base member 501 by an attachment mechanism 509,shown here to be a snap fit engagement between the platform 507 and thecross-member 508. Alternatively, the platform 507 may be utilize ahinge, friction fit or other suitable mechanism to connect to theexpandable base member 501. In one embodiment, the platform 507 mayrotate about the cross-member 508 of the expandable base member 501 inorder to allow a user to access a storage compartment located below theplatform 507 (such an embodiment is similar to the platform 507 depictedin FIG. 31). In such an embodiment, the platform 507 may pivot about thecross-member 508 of the expandable base member 501 from a first platformposition substantially parallel to and coplanar with the expandable basemember 501 to a second platform position generally parallel to thesecond frame member 503. Additionally, in an embodiment where theplatform 507 is used in conjunction with a second seat 505 the platform507 may serve the purpose of a foot rest for a passenger seated in thesecond seat 505. The platform 507 may be removable from the strollersystem 500. The stroller system 500 may be stowed (e.g. folded into theconfiguration depicted in FIG. 29-30), with or without the platform 507.The platform 507 may have a length and/or width that is shorter and/ornarrower than the expandable base member 501 in a non-expanded state.Alternatively, the standing platform 507 may be expandable or have alength and/or width larger than or equal to the expandable base memberin a non-expanded state. Alternatively, the platform 507 may have alength and/or width larger than or equal to that of the expandable basemember 501 in an expanded state. In such an embodiment, the platform 507may be attached to the expandable base member 501 after the stroller isfully expanded.

FIG. 18 provides a rear perspective view of the stroller 500. The secondseat 505 is shown mounted on the second frame member 503 in a rearwardfacing, reclined position. Alternatively, the second seat 505 may beconfigured to face the front end of the stroller and/or the occupant ofthe first seat 502. Additionally, the first seat 504 may be configuredto face the rear of the stroller or the front of the stroller (notshown). The first and second seats 504, 505 are configurable independentof each other, such that a number of seat configurations may be used.

FIGS. 19-20 illustrate various configurations of the second seat 505. Inparticular, FIG. 19 shows the second seat 505 in a rearward facing,generally upright position. As mentioned previously, the second seat 505is configured to pivot with respect to the second frame member 503 abouta seat mount pivot 511. The seat mount pivot 511 serves as a mountingpoint for the second seat 505 to the second frame member 503, andcontains a lockable pivot mechanism to facilitate movement of the secondseat 505 from the upright position shown to a generally reclinedposition (see FIG. 16) or a stowed position (see FIG. 20).

FIG. 21 illustrates various aspects of the seat mount hub 512 and seatmount pivot 511 in an exploded view. As shown in FIG. 21, a seat mountpivot 511 may be located along the second seat 505. Aspects of threeseparate locking mechanisms are shown in FIG. 21: (1) a first pivotlocking mechanism 516 with an interlocking gear 513 is configured tocontrol the partial incline/decline of the second seat (see FIG. 22-23),(2) a secondary pivot locking mechanism 514 is configured to fullyincline/decline the second seat into a position suitable for folding(see FIGS. 24-26), and (3) a seat-frame locking mechanism 515 isconfigured to secure the second seat to the second frame member (seeFIG. 27-28).

The relative positioning or incline/decline of the second seat 505 withrespect to the second frame member 503 is controlled by an actuator 510(see FIG. 22) that is mechanically linked to the seat mount pivot 511 torelease a first pivot locking mechanism 516 contained in the seat mountpivot 511 and allow movement of the second seat 505 with respect to asecond frame member (not shown). The actuator 510 and actuationmechanism may control a first pivot locking mechanism 516 comprised ofan interlocking gear 513 located within the seat mount pivot 511. Theinterlocking gear system 516 may be configured to prevent the rotationof the seat mount pivot 511 relative to the seat mount hub 512. Theactuator 510 may be connected to a cable and spring configuration 519,which controls a gear positioner 521, which adjusts the position of theinterlocking gear 513 with respect to the interior notch system 517 ofthe seat mount pivot 511. The location of the teeth 523 of theinterlocking gear 513 with respect to the grooves 525 of the interiornotch system 517 of the seat mount pivot 511 determines the location ofthe second seat with respect to the second frame.

In one embodiment, an interior notch system 518 may also be located onthe interior surface of the seat mount hub 512 (see FIGS. 25A, 25B). Insuch an embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 21, the seat mount hub 512and the seat mount pivot 511 may be configured such that in a firstposition the teeth 523 of the interlocking gear 513 is at leastpartially engaged with the grooves 525 of the interior notch system 517of the seat mount pivot 511 and also at least partially engaged with theinterior notch system 518 located on the interior surface of the seatmount hub 512. In this first position the engagement of the teeth 523 ofthe interlocking gear 513 with the interior notch system 518 of the seatmount hub 512 prevents the rotation of the seat mount pivot 511 withrespect to the seat mount hub 512 and the seat 505 is unable to beinclined or reclined. The gear positioner 521 may be engaged or rotatedto move the interlocking gear 513 into a second position such that theinterlocking gear 513 is substantially within the seat mount pivot 511and the teeth 523 of the interlocking gear 513 are disengaged from theinterior notch system of the seat mount hub 512. In this second positionof the interlocking gear 513, the seat mount hub 512 is capable ofrotating with respect to the seat mount pivot 511 as is necessary inorder to partially incline or recline the second seat 505. As will bediscussed in relation to FIGS. 24-25, as long as the secondary lockingmechanism 514 is engaged the release of the first pivot lockingmechanism 516 only allows for the partial incline/recline of the seat.Alternative mechanisms that allow the second seat 505 to rotate withrespect to second frame member 503 may be used.

In the embodiment of the stroller shown in FIGS. 19-22, the actuator 510for the first pivot locking mechanism 516 may be located at the topframe of the second seat 505. Alternatively, the actuator 510 may belocated at any suitable position along the second seat 505 (see FIGS.22A and 22B). The second seat 505 can be rotatably positioned at anyposition in the range between substantially perpendicular to the planedefined by the second frame member 503 (see FIG. 1) to substantiallyparallel and/or coplanar with the plane defined by the second framemember, as is shown in FIG. 20. Transitioning from one position toanother may involve engaging the actuator 510 and pivoting the actuator510 upward and away from the second seat 505 to an actuated position510B. The engagement of the actuator from a non-actuated position 510Ato an actuated position 510B may result in a cable connected to theactuator 510 to mediate the gear positioner 521. As discussed above, thegear positioner 521 may move the interlocking gear 513 into a secondposition such that it is substantially within the seat mount pivot 511and the teeth 523 of the interlocking gear 513 are fully engaged withthe grooves 525 of the interior notch system 517 and the teeth 523 ofthe interlocking gear 513 are no longer engaged with the interior notchsystem of the seat mount hub 512, such that the seat mount hub 512 canrotate with respect to the seat mount pivot 511, and the second seat 505can partially recline/incline with respect to the second frame member503. FIGS. 22A and 22B, illustrate two possible positions of theactuator 510 for the primary pivot locking system; in particular, inFIG. 22A, the actuator 510 is not engaged and shown in an non-actuatedstate 510A; in FIG. 22B, the same actuator 510 is engaged and shown inan actuated state 510B. The same actuator 510 for the primary pivotlocking system 516 is shown in an un-actuated state 510A and an actuatedstate 510B from a side view and a side perspective view in FIG. 23A and23B, respectively.

As discussed in relation to FIG. 21, a secondary pivot locking mechanism514 is configured to fully incline/recline the second seat 505 into aposition suitable for folding. The secondary pivot locking mechanism 514may be utilized in order to prevent a passenger from being accidentallyejected from the second seat 505. The secondary pivot locking mechanismlimits the range of motion that the second seat 505 may be rotated withrespect to the second frame member 503. As a result, with the secondarypivot locking mechanism 514 engaged, the second seat may not be rotatedto a stowed position, such as that shown in FIG. 20. The secondary pivotlocking mechanism 514 of FIG. 21 is further illustrated in FIG. 24. Asillustrated in FIG. 24-25, a spring-pin system may be used to align aportion of the interior notch system 517 of the seat mount pivot 511such that the teeth 523 of the interlocking gear system 513 can engagewith the interior notch system 517. As shown in FIG. 24, a pin 529 isconnected to a spring 531, which engages the interior notch system ofthe seat mount hub 512. While the term “pin” is used in this disclosure,one skilled in the art would understand that any other suitable lockingdevice could be substituted for a “pin”.

As illustrated in FIGS. 25A and 25B, the location of the pin 529 withinthe interior notch system 518 of the seat mount hub 512 determines theconfiguration of grooves 525A, 525B available to the teeth 523 of theinterlocking gear system 513. As shown in FIG. 25A, a pin 529 is engagedposition 529A in a window 533 of the interior notch system 517. Aspecific configuration of the grooves 525A is available to the teeth ofthe interlocking gear system (not shown), and the seat 505 is unable torotate fully. As indicated by the arrows, once the pin is removed, theinterior notch system 518 of the seat mount hub 512 may rotate, forexample, in a counter-clockwise direction, to the configurationillustrated in FIG. 25B. As shown in FIG. 25B, the pin 529 is in asecond disengaged position 529B. As a result of the disengagement of thepin, the interior notch system 518 has been rotated such that the pin529 is now in alignment with a different portion of the interior notchsystem 518 to allow a wider range of rotation than when the pin 529 isdisposed within window 533. If the pin 529 is engaged at a differentwindow, a second alternate configuration of the grooves 525B will beavailable to the teeth of the interlocking gear system. The secondarypivot locking mechanism 514 may be configured such that the pin 529needs to be disengaged in order for the interior notch system 518 torotate to the positions corresponding to the second seat 505 being inthe a fully inclined/reclined position suitable for stowage.

The pin 529 of the secondary pivot locking mechanism 514 can beengaged/disengaged via an actuator 537, illustrated in FIG. 26. Theactuator 537 may engage/disengage the pin 529 from the window 533 of theinterior notch system 518 of the seat mount hub 512 via a cable 535.FIG. 26 illustrates a portion of the second seat 505 including theframe, a seat mount pivot 511, seat mount hub 512. The second seat 505may be constructed using a seat bottom 541 and a seat back 539. Theactuator 537 may be positioned such that it is at the point between theseat bottom 541 and the seat back 539 in such a manner that the actuatoris inaccessible when the a passenger is in the second seat. Here theactuator 537 is positioned to rest entirely under a passenger seated inthe second seat, but other locations are contemplated, such as along thesides, rear of the seat back, or bottom surface of the second seat 505.The actuator 537 may be a rigid rod, flexible strap or other deviceconstructed to allow a user to manipulate the actuator when operatingthe secondary pivot locking system 514. The actuator 537 is preferablylinked to the seat mount pivot 511 via a cable 535 or other structureadapted to transfer the motion or tension applied to the actuator 537 tothe secondary pivot locking mechanism 514 within the seat mount pivot511. Movement of the actuator 537 facilitates engagement anddisengagement of the secondary pivot locking mechanism 514 within theseat mount pivot 511 of the second seat 505. The secondary pivot lockingmechanism 514 is biased to be engaged and so movement of the actuator isrequired to fully rotate the second seat 505 to an inclined/reclinedstate suitable for folding/stowage.

In the shown embodiment in order to rotate the second seat 505 to afully inclined/reclined state for folding/stowage both the primary pivotlocking mechanism 516 and the secondary pivot locking mechanism 514 mayneed to be disengaged by actuators 510 and 537, respectively. As shown,a passenger residing in the second seat 505 may have to be removed fromthe second seat 505 in order to release both the primary pivot lockingmechanism 516 and secondary pivot locking mechanism 514 by engagingtheir respective actuators prior to folding the stroller.

The seat-frame locking mechanism 515 referenced in FIG. 21 isillustrated in further detail in FIGS. 27 and 28. The seat-frame lockingmechanism 515 is configured to secure the second seat to the secondframe member. FIGS. 27 and 28 illustrate portions of the second framemember 503 of the stroller 500 where the second seat 505 is configuredto be removably attached to the second frame member 503. In particular,FIG. 27 shows a frame member 545 of the second seat 505, which has a oneseat mount pivot module 511. FIG. 27 further depicts a seat mount hub512 that is integrally connected to a portion of the seat mount pivotmodule 511 to facilitate mounting of the second seat 505 to the secondframe member 503. Each seat mount hub 512 is adapted to be removablymounted to a frame mount hub 527 located on a second frame member 503.

Although only a single seat mount hub 512 and frame mount hub 527 isshown in FIGS. 27 and 28, it is contemplated that two seat mount hubs512 are located on opposing sides of a second seat 505, which correspondto two frame mount hubs 527 located on opposing sides of the secondframe member 503. In the embodiment shown, the seat and frame mount hubs512, 527 and thus, the seat mount pivots 511 are positioned such thatthe seat mount pivots 511 are coaxial and each facilitate rotation aboutthe same axis. In the embodiment depicted in FIGS. 27 and 28, the seatmount hub 512 is adapted to slideably engage the frame mount hub 527 bymoving the seat mount hub 512 in a direction 547 with respect to theframe mount hub 527 until the seat mount hub 512 is releasably lockedinto place on the frame mount hub 527.

It is contemplated that engagement of the seat mount hub 512 and framemount hub 527 will trigger a seat frame locking mechanism 515. The seatframe locking mechanism 515 may utilize a pin 520 as shown in FIG. 21.The pin 520 can be spring loaded such that it is predisposed to remainin a deployed state. When the seat mount hub is slidably placed into theframe mount hub, the pin 520 may retract slightly to allow the seatmount hub 512 to slide relative to the frame mount hub 527, and snap toa locked position within the frame mount hub 527 once the seat mount hub512 has slid to a intermediate or final position of the frame mount hub527 (shown in FIG. 27). Once the pin 520 has locked within the receivingcavity of frame mount hub, the pin 520 prevents the seat mount hub 512from moving with respect to the frame mount hub 527, thus preventinginadvertent detachment of the structures. Alternatively, the seat mounthub 512 may be attached in another manner to the frame mount hub 527,such as through a friction fit, threaded nuts or some other attachmentmeans.

As illustrated in FIG. 27 an actuator 543 is positioned on a framemember 545 of the second seat 505 and configured to operate the lockingmechanism by depressing the actuator 543. In the embodiment shown, thelocking mechanism is biased (via a spring or other biasing member) tolock the seat mount hub 512 to the frame mount hub 527 when they areengaged. Like the locking mechanism, the actuator 543 is biased in araised position, such that depressing the actuator 543 towards the framemember 545 of the second seat 505 releases the locking mechanism,thereby facilitating removal of the second seat 505 from the secondframe member 503.

In the embodiment shown, the actuator 543 is located proximate to theseat mount hub 512. Alternatively, the actuator 543 may be located inany location along the second seat 505. The seat-frame locking mechanism515 may be a cable-spring-pin system where an actuator engages a cableto release a pin 520. The cable of the locking mechanism may beconnected to the actuator 543. Alternative embodiments of the lockingmechanism may include, but are not limited to, flexible plasticmaterials instead of a cable. Alternative embodiments may also comprisesuitable alternatives to the cable-spring-pin locking system. Theactuator 543 may be a lever, button or any other suitable devices. FIG.28 further illustrates the coupling between the second frame member 503and the second seat 505 from a different perspective view, showing a“female” portion of the seat mount hub 512 adapted to accept the “male”portion of the frame mount hub 527. In one embodiment, the frame mounthub 527 and/or the seat mount hub 512 may designed to be of symmetricalshape such that the same second seat 505 may be attached such that itfaces the front end or back end of the stroller. As illustrated here,the seat mount hub 512 has a substantially u-shaped member 549, whichconnects to a member 551 located on the frame mount hub 527. The lockingmechanism, which is engaged when each of the at least one frame mounthubs couples corresponding seat mount hubs prevents the removal of thesecond seat from the second frame member.

FIGS. 29 and 30 illustrate the stroller in a folded or stowedconfiguration. The first frame member 502 further having a top firstframe member 502B and a bottom first frame member 502A, which fold withrespect to each other about a pivot joint 502C located on the firstframe member. The first frame member 502 folds independently of thesecond frame member 503 to a state where the folded first frame memberis substantially parallel to the expandable base member 501. As shownhere, the expandable base member 501 is fully retracted. The secondframe member 503 pivotally folds with respect to the expandable basemember around a pivot joint 506 independently of the first frame member502. In one embodiment, the second frame member 503 can be foldedtowards the expandable base member 501 while the second seat 505 isstill coupled to the second frame member 503. The second seat 505 isfirst rotated such that the frame of the second seat 505 issubstantially parallel to the second frame member 503 and then foldedtowards the expandable base member 501 with the second frame member 503.As illustrated, the second seat 505 may be stowed parallel to the secondframe member 503 and fit above the first frame member 502 when folded.Alternatively, the second seat may collapse or fold towards the secondframe member 503 such that it is planar with and fits within the secondframe member 503. And then the collapsed second seat and second framemember 503 structure may be folded towards the expandable base member501. FIG. 30 provides an alternative view to the stroller in FIG. 29.From the view in FIG. 30, the stroller may be folded while the platform507 is still connected to a cross-section 508 of the expandable basemember 501. Alternatively, the platform 507 may be removed from thestroller system 500 prior to the stroller being folded.

As discussed, the second seat 505 may be removably connected to thesecond frame member 503 at frame mount hubs 527 located along the secondframe member 503. Illustrated in FIG. 31 is the stroller 500 with thesecond seat 505 removed.

While the second seat in FIGS. 16-30 was illustrated as a modular rearseat with a seat bottom and seat back, as will be illustrated in FIGS.32-39 the stroller 500 may utilize a jump seat or bench seat, whichattaches to the frame mount hub 527 of the second frame member 503 toprovide rear seating (as shown in FIG. 31).

In particular, FIGS. 32-39 are related to an embodiment of the stroller500 comprising an expandable base member with a first peripheral end anda second peripheral end. In this embodiment, a first frame member may bepivotally connected to the expandable base member near the firstperipheral end. The first frame member may be configured to containmeans for retaining a first seat. A second frame member 503 comprisingat least one frame mount hub 527 may also be pivotally connected to theexpandable base member near the second peripheral end. The first framemember and the second frame member may be configured to foldindependently of each other. A bench seat comprising at least one seatmount hub may be removably connected to the second frame member by wayof each of the at least one frame mount coupling with a correspondingseat mount hub.

FIGS. 32A and 32B provide a side view of the stroller system 500 with abench seat 553. FIGS. 33A and 33B provide a front perspective view ofthe same stroller system 500 with a bench seat 553. As illustrated inFIGS. 32A and 33A a bench seat 553 may be mounted to the second framemember 503. As shown here, the bench seat 553 may be configured suchthat it may rotate from a stowed position where it is substantiallyparallel to the second frame member 503, as is shown in FIGS. 32A and33A, to a deployed position where the bench seat 553 is substantiallyparallel to the expandable base member 501, as is shown in FIGS. 32B and33B. The bench seat 553 may be placed in the stowed configuration, seenin FIGS. 32A and 33A, for example, when the stroller is used for asingle occupant (in the first seat) and/or extra storage space isnecessary. The bench seat 553 may also be placed in the stowedconfiguration seen in FIGS. 32A and 33A in preparation for folding thestroller. The bench seat 553 may be placed in the deployed configurationseen in FIGS. 32B and 33B, when for example, a second occupant is beingtransported by the stroller. Optionally, the bench seat 553 may be usedas an elevated platform upon which a user places cargo.

Optionally, as shown in FIGS. 34-39, a secondary support structure 556may be connected to the bench seat 553. As illustrated in FIG. 34, thesecondary support structure 556 may be used as an arm rest by thepassenger in the bench seat 553. The secondary support structure 556connects to the bench seat 553 and to the bench seat mount 554. Thebench seat mount 554 connects to the frame mount hub 527 (not shown; seeFIG. 31) of the second frame member 503. The bench seat mount 554 isalso connected to the bench seat pivot 555. As will be discussed inreference to FIG. 37, the bench seat pivot 555 is configured to rotatewith respect to the bench seat mount 554.

FIG. 35 further illustrates the components of the secondary supportstructure 556. As shown here, the bench seat mount 554 may connect to afirst support member 556C, which is pivotally connected to a horizontalmember 556B via a pivot joint 557. The horizontal member 556B ispivotally connected via pivot joint 557 to the first support member 556Cat a first peripheral end of the horizontal member near the rear of thestroller. The horizontal member 556B is also pivotally connected viapivot joint 559 to a second support member 556A at a second peripheralend of the horizontal member near the front of the stroller. The otherend of the second support member 556A is pivotally connected via a pivotjoint 561 to the bench seat 553 at a location on the lower surface ofthe bench seat (see FIG. 36B). The secondary support structure 553 mayform a four-bar-linkage mechanism that can be folded.

As illustrated by FIGS. 36A and 36B the secondary support structure 553may be folded from a first stowed position, as is shown in FIG. 36A to asecond, deployed position, as is shown in FIG. 36B. When folding from adeployed state (FIG. 36B) to a stowed state (FIG. 36A) the bench seat553 may be folded such that it is coplanar with the second frame 503. Inone embodiment, the first support member 556C may remain insubstantially the same position in both the stowed and deployed states.The horizontal member 556B is configured to pivot about the pivot joint557 in a generally upward direction such that the second peripheral endof the horizontal member moves towards the second frame member 503 to aconfiguration where the horizontal member 556B is substantially parallelto the second frame member 503. The second support member 556A, which isconnected to the horizontal member 556B at pivot joint 559 and the benchseat 553 at pivot joint 561 moves with the horizontal member 556B andbench seat 553 to a folded position in which it is also substantiallyparallel to the second frame member 503.

As discussed, the bench seat 553 is configured to rotate from asubstantially horizontal position where it is parallel to the expandablebase member 501 to a substantially vertical position where it isparallel to the second frame member 503. The pivoting mechanism isillustrated in FIG. 37, in particular, cable routing configured toretract the pin 568 which locks the seat mount hub to the frame mounthub is shown. Shown is the bench seat mount hub 554, which is connectedto the first support member 556C of the secondary support structure 556.As mentioned previously the bench seat mount pivot 555 is configured torotate about the bench seat mount hub 554. Accordingly, the two elementsare connected via an interlocking spring loaded system 571 comprising agear positioner 563, interlocking gear 565, spring 567, and cable 569.The interlocking spring loaded system 571 shown here is substantiallysimilar to that discussed in relation to the interlocking gear 513 andfirst pivot locking mechanism 516 of the modular rear seat in FIG. 21. Acable 569 is used to modulate the gear positioner 563, which adjusts theposition of the interlocking gear 565 with respect to the interior notchstructure 573 of the bench seat mount pivot.

As illustrated in FIG. 38A-D, the cable 569 may be connected to a benchseat deploy actuator 563 located on the bottom surface of the bench seat565 biased in a locked position that holds the bench seat 553 in astowed position and prevents it from deploying. In order to rotate thebench seat 553 to the deployed position (as discussed in reference toFIGS. 32B, 33B, 34, 35, 36B) the bench seat deploy actuator 563 must beengaged. As illustrated, in one embodiment the bench seat deployactuator 563 may be an ergonomically positioned handle. As illustratedin FIG. 38D, in such an embodiment, the bench seat deploy actuator maybe engaged by lifting the handle towards the bottom surface of the benchseat 565.

In addition to the bench seat deploy actuator 563 the bench seat 553 mayalso contain a bench seat lift actuator 567. As discussed previously,the bench seat 553 may be removably coupled to the second frame member503 by one or more bench seat mount hubs 554 connecting to one or moreframe mount hubs 527. Similar to the mechanism described in relation tothe modular rear seat in FIGS. 27 and 28, the bench seat mount hubs 554may be adapted to slideably engage the frame mount hubs 527 by movingthe bench seat mount hubs 554 in the direction of the frame mount hubs527 until the bench seat mount hubs 554 are releasably locked into placeon the frame mount hubs 527. It is envisioned that an engagement of thebench seat mount hub 554 and frame mount hub 527 will trigger a lockingmechanism, which prevents the bench seat mount hub 554 from moving withrespect to the frame mount hub 527, thus preventing inadvertentdetachment of the structures. Alternatively, the bench seat mount hub554 may be attached in another manner to the frame mount hub 527, suchas through a friction fit, threaded nuts or some other attachment means.

As illustrated in FIG. 38A-D a bench seat lift actuator 567 is a cablepositioned on the lower surface of the bench seat 565. As illustrated in38B, the bench seat lift actuator 567 (shown here as a cable) may belifted in a generally upwards direction towards the bench seat deployactuator 563 In the embodiment shown, the locking mechanism is biased(via a spring or other biasing member) to lock the bench seat mount hub554 to the frame mount hub 527 when they are engaged. Like the lockingmechanism, the bench seat lift actuator 567 is biased such that liftingthe bench seat lift actuator 567 cable releases the locking mechanism,thereby facilitating removal of the bench seat 553 from the second framemember 503. In the embodiment shown, the bench seat lift actuator 567 islocated below the bench seat 553. Alternatively, the bench seat liftactuator 567 may be located in any position along the bench seat or atthe nexus of the frame mount hub 527 and bench seat mount hub 554. Thelocking mechanism may be a cable-spring-pin system where the bench seatlift actuator 567 engages a cable 569 to release a pin. The cable 569 ofthe locking mechanism may be connected to the bench seat lift actuator567. Alternative embodiments of the locking mechanism may include, butare not limited to, flexible plastic materials instead of a cable.Alternative embodiments may also comprise suitable alternatives to thecable-spring-pin locking system. The bench seat lift actuator 567 may bea lever, button or any other suitable devices.

As illustrated in FIG. 39, the stroller with a bench seat 553 attachedto the second frame member may be folded into a stowable configuration.In the folded configuration of the stroller shown in FIG. 38, thestroller can be folded while the bench seat 553 is still attached to thesecond frame member. Additionally, in the shown embodiment, the strollermay be folded with the secondary support structure 556 attached. Asillustrated, the secondary support structure 556 and bench seat 553 mayfirst be folded towards the second frame member 503 into the stowedconfiguration shown in FIG. 36A and then the second frame member 503(with the folded bench seat and secondary structures) may be foldedtowards the expandable base member. As illustrated, the bench seat 553is stowed parallel to the second frame member 503 and fits above thefirst frame member when folded. Thus, the stroller may be compactlyfolded for stowage without requiring the disassembly of the bench seat553 and its associated components (the secondary support structure 556).In an alternative embodiment, the bench seat 553 and its associatedcomponents may be removed prior to folding the stroller.

FIGS. 40A-41D illustrate a further embodiment of the stroller 600 with afront seat frame fold mechanism. As illustrated in FIG. 40A, thestroller 600 comprises a base 601 with a first end 601 a and a secondend 601 b. In one configuration, the base 601 may be expandable. A firstframe member 602 comprising first 602 a and second 602 b portions and anelongated portion extending therebetween may be configured to retain afirst seat 604. The first frame portion 602 a of the first frame membermay be pivotally attached to the base proximate the first end 601 a ofthe base. A second frame member 603 comprising a first proximal end 603a and a second distal end 603 b may be pivotally attached to the base601 proximate the second end 601 b of the base at a pivot joint 606. Afirst end 610 a of a frame support member 610 may be attached to thebase 601 at a point in a rotatable manner at a point between the first601 a and second 601 b ends of the base. A second end 610 b of the framesupport member 610 may be engaged with a hollow void 620 located withinthe first portion of the first frame member 602 a. The void 620 may beof a length equal or greater to the maximum distance traveled by theframe support member 610 along the first portion of the first framemember 602 a. In one embodiment, the second end 610 b of the framesupport member 610 may be at least partially disposed within the void620, extending through an elongated aperture (not shown) in the firstframe member 602 a, which preferably extends at least as long as thelength of travel of the frame support member along the first framemember 602 a. Alternatively, the second end 610 b of the frame supportmember 610 may comprise a tab which engages a portion of link 618 withthe void 620. The void 620 may be located along the lower surface of thefirst frame member and face the base 601. The frame support member 610may provide adequate support for holding the first frame member 602substantially upright, as shown in FIG. 40. The first seat 604 may becomprised of a seat back 607, seat bottom 608, and calf support 609. Thecalf support 609 may be pivotally attached to the seat bottom 608 at ancalf support pivot 609 a.

Referring now to FIGS. 41A-41D, the seat bottom 608 may be pivotallyattached to the seat back 607 utilizing a seat recline mechanism 622. Aseat link 612 may have a first end 612 a fixedly attached to a locationon the seat bottom 608 and a second end 612 b fixedly attached to thefirst frame portion 602 a at a pivot point 613. The first seat 604 maybe retained within a first frame member comprising a first frame portion602 a, a second frame portion 602 b and a connector 616. As illustratedin FIG. 40A, the distal end of the first frame portion 602 a and theproximal end of the second frame portion 602 b may be connected by aconnector 616. The connector may comprise multiple plates. A firstportion of the connector may be fixed to the first frame portion 602 aand a second portion of the connector may be fixed to the second frameportion 602 b. The first and second portions of the connector may bepivotally joined to each other about a pivot point 619, to facilitaterotation of the second frame portion 602 b with respect to the firstframe portion 602 a. The connector 616 may contain a track 617 fixed tothe first frame portion 602 a. As depicted in FIGS. 40A-40D, a first endof link 618 may be fixed to the second frame portion 602 b. A second endof the link 618 may be engaged within an exterior longitudinal void 614disposed within the first frame portion. The exterior longitudinal void614 may be located on the exterior side of the first frame portion. Inone embodiment, the second end of the link 618 b may be fixedlyconnected to a first end of a support link 626 of fixed length (notshown) which spans the void 620 located within first portion of thefirst frame member 602 a. The second end of the support link 626 may beconnected to the frame support member 610. Support link 626 may be arigid or flexible member. In one embodiment the support link 626 and thelink 618 may comprise one unit which travels along a single elongatedvoid present along the first frame portion 602 a. Alternatively, thesupport link 626 and the link 618 may comprise two or more pieces, suchas a first link 618, shown exterior to the first frame portion 602 a,and a second, internal link (not shown) disposed within the first framemember 602 a. In a further embodiment, the second internal link mayconnect the exterior portion of the link 618 to the support link 626,and slide within the first frame portion 602 a as the first seat frameis raised and collapsed. Alternative connectors may be used tofacilitate coordinated movement between the link 618 and the supportlink 626.

FIGS. 40A-40D illustrate a first seat frame fold mechanism. As thedistal end 602 b of the first frame member (which may comprise an upperarched member 602 c) is folded about the connector 616 at the pivotpoint 619 in a forward direction towards the front end of the stroller601 a the first end of the link 618 a is moved along the track 617towards the first frame member 602 a. As illustrated in FIG. 40B, movingthe first end of the link 618 a along the track 617 towards the firstframe member 602 a causes the second end of the link 618 b to move in asubstantially downwards path along the void 614. The movement of thesecond end of the link 618 b downwards along the void 614 may cause thesupport link 626 to move towards the base along void 620 and the framesupport member 610 to pivot in a substantially downwards direction fromthe first frame member 602, as shown in FIG. 40C.

As the second distal portion 602 b of the first frame member moves tofold upon the first proximal portion of the first frame member 602 a,the frame support member 610 pivots downwards such that it is nowlocated generally coplanar to the base 601. This may allow the firstportion of the first frame member 602 a to move such that the firstframe portion 602 a and the second frame portion 602 b are folded uponeach other at the connector 616, such that the second end of the secondframe portion 602 b is disposed adjacent the first end of the base 601 a(as shown in FIG. 40D).

The stroller seat 604 may be adjustable from a first position (shown inFIG. 40A) to a second position (shown in FIG. 40D), with the progressiontherebetween shown in FIGS. 40B and 40C. In the first position, the seat604 is deployed such that the seat bottom 608 is positioned toaccommodate a user sitting thereon. In a second position, the seat 604may be folded such that the first frame member 602 is disposed generallyparallel to the seat bottom 608. As illustrated in FIGS. 40A-40D, as thestroller is adjusted from the first position to the second position, aseat mount pivot 621 may move along the inner elongated aperture 615 ina direction away from the pivot point of the seat base link 612 andtowards the second distal end of the first frame member 602 b (see FIGS.41A-41D). The inner elongated aperture 615 may be located on theinterior surface of the frame member. As the seat folds to the secondposition, the calf support 609 may pivotally move to a position suchthat it is generally coplanar with the seat bottom 608.

FIGS. 41A-41D provide a cross-sectional view of the stroller illustratedin FIGS. 40A-40D. Accordingly, the positions depicted in FIGS. 41A-Dcorrespond to those illustrated in FIGS. 40A-40D. The cross-section istaken along the longitudinal plane of the stroller, and the observer ispositioned on the interior of the stroller facing outwards.

As depicted in FIG. 41A-41D, as the seat frame member folds, so does theseat 604 comprising the seat back 607, seat bottom 608, and calf support609. The seat 604 may be covered in padded fabric or other soft goods tofurther define the seat and support a person therein. The seat base 608may have front 608 a and rear 608 b ends. The seat back 607 may bepivotally connected to the seat base 608 at the rear end 608 b of theseat base at a seat back recline mechanism 622. In one embodiment, theseat back recline mechanism 622 may utilize a hinge. The seat back 607may be disposed at an angle generally acute to the seat base 608. Asillustrated in FIGS. 41A-D, a seat link 612 may have a first end 612 apivotally mounted to the seat bottom 608 and a second end 612 bpivotally mounted to the first frame member 602 at a pivot point 613located between the inner elongated aperture 615 and the first end ofthe first frame member 602 a. The seat 604 may further comprise a seatbase pivot 621 mounted to the seat bottom 608 and slideably disposedwithin the inner elongated aperture 615. A second link 624 (see FIGS.41A-D) is pivotally attached to the seat base pivot 621 at a first end624 a and pivotally attached to the connector 616 at a second end 624 b.

In a further alternative embodiment, as illustrated in FIGS. 42-45, thestroller 600 may comprise a flexible link 626 which facilitates loweringof the frame support member 610 to a position generally parallel to thebase member 601 as the seat is folded forward. FIG. 42 provides anexploded view of a connector using a flexible link. The fully assembledconnector 616 comprising multiple plates is shown in a non-exploded viewin FIG. 43. In this embodiment, the flexible link 626 may comprise afirst end 626 a mounted to a portion of the connector 616 and a secondend 626 b disposed within the elongated void 614 of the first portion ofthe first frame member 602 a. In such an embodiment the connector 616may comprise multiple levels, such as the plates 628 a-e configured in astacked configuration to form the connector 616 when concentricallyaligned about an axis of rotation defined by a pivot point 619 andsecured, for example by an axis hub, bolt or other structure adapted tofacilitate rotation of portions of the connector with respect to eachother. The connector plates may have additional functionalities such asconnecting to an armrest, tray, or car seat adapter. For example, plates628 a-628 b may be used to support an armrest in the upright andcollapsed positions of the stroller. As illustrated in FIG. 42, acentral plate of the connector 628 c may have a track 630 on which theflexible link 626 may be engaged. The first end 626 a of the flexiblelink 626 may have a protrusion 626 c, such that the protruding first end626 a does not stay flush within the plate 628 c. The protruding firstend 626 a of the flexible link 626 may be held in a groove 629 on theexternal plate 628 e which is connected to the second portion of thefirst frame member 602 b. The central plate of the connector 628 c maybe fixed to the lower, first portion of the first frame member 602 a.Accordingly, when the second portion of the first frame member 602 b isfolded forwards 631 a towards the first portion of the first framemember 602 a, plate 628 e rotates with respect to plate 628 c and theflexible link 626 moves along the track 630 in a generally downwardsdirection 631 b towards the elongated void on the first portion of thefirst frame member 602 a as illustrated by FIG. 44.

In the embodiment illustrated in FIG. 45, the second end of the flexiblelink 626 may be encased by a housing 632 of fixed length which spans thevoid 620 located within first end of the first frame member 602 a. Insuch an embodiment, when the flexible link 626 moves downwards towardsthe elongated void in the first portion of the first frame member, thehousing 632 helps maintain the flexible link in a generally unbentconfiguration as it moves downwards and disengages the frame supportmember.

FIGS. 46-50D depict an embodiment of the stroller comprising an armrest634. FIG. 46 provides a side perspective view of the armrest 634attached to a connector 616. As shown in FIG. 47, one or more plates 628a-628 e which form the connector 616, may contain a groove 638 for theattachment end of the armrest 636. While an armrest is discussed, it iscontemplated that a tray, car seat adapter or other similar structuremay attach to the frame of the stroller in a similar manner.

FIG. 48 shows an attachment end of an armrest 636 positioned in front ofa groove 638 on a plate 628 a (see FIG. 42). The plate containing thegroove is aligned to be engaged with a second alignment plate 628 bwhich is fixedly connected to the second portion of the first framemember 602 b. The central plate 628 c (not shown in FIG. 48) contains aprotruding stop element 646 which is configured to travel along a track647 on the second alignment plate 628 b. The central plate 628 c, may befixedly connected to the first frame portion of the first frame member602 a. The plates 628 a-628 e forming the connector 616 may beconfigured such that when the second portion of the first frame member602 b is folded towards the first portion of the first frame member 602a, plate 628 b rotates with respect to plate 628 c and the protrudingstop element 646 travels along the track 647 to align the armrest groove638 to an in-use or stowed position.

FIG. 49A shows plate 628 b in a side view of the connector system. Thearmrest attachment 634 is configured to enter the groove 638. Onceinside the groove 638, the armrest attachment 636 is held in place bythe protruding stop element 646 (a protruding member that is preferablyfixed to plate 628 c) and a second protruding stop element 648 (aprotruding member that is preferably fixed to plate 628 b) connected tothe second portion of the first frame member 602 b.

FIGS. 49A-C illustrate the movement of the armrest from a first deployedposition where it is generally parallel to the seat base 608 andavailable for use by a passenger to a second folded position where it isgenerally parallel to the first portion of the first frame member. InFIG. 49A, the armrest is held in a substantially horizontal position bythe protruding stop element 646 and a second protruding stop element648. The armrest is pivotally 650 connected to the connector system. Asillustrated by FIG. 49B, as the second portion of the first frame member602 b is folded downwards towards the first portion of the first framemember 602 a the second protruding stop element (which is connected tothe second portion of the first frame member) moves along the plate 628b in a manner that allows for the armrest to pivot about its pivot axis650 in a downwards motion Similarly as further illustrated in FIG. 49C,the first protruding stop element 646 moves upwards along a track 647located on the plate 640 b. This may continue, until the armrest is in asubstantially folded position.

FIGS. 50A-50D provide a side view of the stroller 600 with an armrest indeployed (FIG. 50A), mid-fold (FIG. 50B, FIG. 50C), and fully folded(FIG. 50D) states. Similar to previously discussed embodiments, thestroller may be folded to a stowed state with or without the attachedarmrest 634.

As illustrated in FIG. 51, in another exemplary embodiment, the stroller600 may further comprise an adapter 655 structured to engage a seatingdevice such as an infant car seat. The adapter 655 may be attached tothe armrest 634 structure, or replace the armrest structure 634 asattached to the connector 616. As depicted, the adapter 655 compriseslocking protrusions 657. The locking protrusions 657 may be biased torotate upwards and towards the interior of the stroller 600 to aposition generally parallel to the armrest 634 using spring-loaded pinsor similar mechanisms. Accordingly, in a first position, where an infantcar seat is not attached to the stroller, the locking protrusions 657are generally parallel to the armrest 634. As illustrated in FIG. 51B,when an infant car seat is attached to the stroller, the lockingprotrusions 657 are pushed in a generally downwards direction until thelocking protrusions 657 are generally perpendicular to the armrest 634and face the interior of the stroller (see FIG. 51C). The top portion659 of the adapter 655 may rotate about the axis formed by the armrest634. In the position illustrated by FIG. 51C, the locking protrusions657 may attach to one or more surfaces or attachment mechanisms of theinfant car seat (not shown). The configuration of the lockingprotrusions 657 may vary according to the infant car seat the adapter655 is configured to attach to. FIG. 52 provides a side perspective viewof the stroller 600 with an adapter 655 in a position capable ofattaching to an infant car seat.

As illustrated by FIGS. 53A-53D, the stroller 600 is capable of foldingto a stowed state with or without the adapter 655 attached. FIG. 53Apresents a side view of the stroller 600 with adapter 655 in asubstantially parallel position to the armrest 634. In FIGS. 53B-53C,the stroller is in mid-fold. In FIG. 53D, the stroller is fully foldedwith the armrest 634 and adapter 655 attached.

In one embodiment, as illustrated in FIG. 54, the discussed armrest 634and adapter 655 may be modular in nature. As depicted, an armrest 634may be removably attached to an adapter 655, which is removably attachedto the connector (see FIG. 55). In such an embodiment the adapter 655may attach to the connector 616 in a similar manner to what is describedin relation to the armrest 634 in FIGS. 46-49C (see FIG. 56).

As illustrated in FIG. 57, in another embodiment, the stroller 600 maycomprise a tray 659 also removably attached to the connector and capableof folding with the stroller 600 to a stowed state.

Although the flexible link 626 is discussed in relation to a strollerwith two frame members connected to a common base, it is contemplatedthat the mechanisms of the flexible link discussed thus far can beapplied to strollers with alternative frame structures. For example, asdepicted in FIGS. 58A and 58B, a flexible link 726 can be configured tomanipulate the frame members of an A-frame stroller 700. In an A-framestroller, two frame members (terminating in wheels) and one or morehandles all connect via central connector. The folding of the one ormore handles typically moves the frame members to a position generallyparallel the handle.

In such an embodiment, the flexible link 726 may be mounted inside thecentral connector 716, in a similar configuration discussed above, withrespect to connector 616 and flexible link 626. The central connector716 may have a pivot 750 which allows the handle 710 to move withrespect to the first and second frame members 702 and 704. In theembodiment shown, the handle 710 pivots towards the second frame member704, as the stroller 700 is moved from an “in-use” configuration (58A)to a “collapsed” or “stowed” configuration 58B. The flexible link 726may be mounted within the central connector 716 such that movement ofthe handle 710 moves the flexible link 726 along a track 730 (within thecentral connector) and causes a frame link 718 to move away from theconnector 716, thereby translating one or more of the frame members 702and 704 to move from a first to a second position with respect to eachother.

Alternatively, in a further embodiment depicted in FIGS. 59A and 59B,the handle 710 is rotated towards the first frame member 702 (ratherthan the second frame member 704, as depicted in FIGS. 58A and 58B), tofacilitate the same transition from an “in-use” configuration to a“collapsed” or “stowed” configuration 59B.

Alternatively, in a further embodiment depicted in FIGS. 59A and 59B, itis contemplated that the flexible link 726 may be configured to attachto one or more secondary support members of the two or more framemembers of the stroller. In such an embodiment, the secondary supportmember may comprise a first end connected to the flexible link 726 and asecond end connected to the central connector. In such an embodiment,the handle may move the flexible link 726 such that the secondarysupport members facilitate the movement of the frame members. Forexample, in an embodiment of a stroller with two frame members, thesecondary support member may be pivotally attached to one of the framemembers, and slideably coupled to a second frame member.

In a further embodiment, it is contemplated that the flexible link 726may be used in a stroller, where the frame members are configured topivot about the central connector or in a stroller where the framemembers are affixed to one or more plates which are rotateablyconnected.

These embodiments utilizing the flexible link can be configured to allowthe stroller to stand when folded, and/or collapse to a more compact andportable state.

Although the invention has been described in terms of exemplaryembodiments, it is not limited thereto. Rather, the appended claimsshould be construed broadly to include other variants and embodiments ofthe invention which may be made by those skilled in the art withoutdeparting from the scope and range of equivalents of the invention. Thisdisclosure is intended to cover any adaptations or variations of theembodiments discussed herein.

1. A stroller comprising: an expandable base member with a firstperipheral end and a second peripheral end; a first frame memberpivotally connected to the expandable base member, wherein the firstframe member is configured to contain means for retaining a first seat;a second frame member pivotally connected to the expandable base member,wherein the first frame member and the second frame member foldindependently of each other; and a second seat removably attached to thesecond frame member.
 2. The stroller of claim 1, wherein: the secondframe member comprises at least one frame mount hub; the second seatcomprises at least one seat mount hub; and the second seat is removablyattached to the second frame member by way of the at least one framemount hub coupling with the at least one seat mount hub in a firstconfiguration.
 3. The stroller of claim 1, wherein the first framemember is pivotally connected to the expandable base member proximatethe first peripheral end.
 4. The stroller of claim 1, wherein the secondframe member is pivotally connected to the expandable base memberproximate the second peripheral end.
 5. The stroller of claim 1, whereinthe second seat further comprises a seat back and a seat bottom.
 6. Thestroller of claim 2, wherein each of the at least one frame mount hubcoupling with the at least one seat mount hub engages a first lockingmechanism, said first locking mechanism being configured to preventremoval of the second seat from the second frame member.
 7. The strollerof claim 6, further comprising a first actuator connected to a firstcable, adapted to engage the first locking mechanism, wherein anengagement of the first actuator is configured to release the firstlocking mechanism.
 8. The stroller of claim 7, wherein the firstactuator is positioned proximate to the seat mount hub.
 9. The strollerof claim 2, wherein the second seat further comprises at least one seatmount pivot, wherein each of the at least one seat mount pivot areconnected to each of the at least one seat mount hub via an interlockingsystem biased in a locked position, said interlocking system beingconfigured to prevent the rotation of each of the at least one seatmount pivots relative to the respective at least one seat mount hub. 10.The stroller of claim 9, wherein the interlocking system is configuredto be released by at least one primary pivot locking system actuator toat least one preconfigured position.
 11. The stroller of claim 10,wherein the at least one primary pivot locking system actuator islocated generally proximate to an upper surface of the second seat. 12.The stroller of claim 10, wherein the at least one preconfiguredposition ranges from a first position where the second seat ispositioned substantially perpendicular to the axis formed by the secondframe member to a second position where the second seat is positionedsubstantially parallel to the axis formed by the second frame member.13. The stroller of claim 9 further comprising a secondary pivot lockingsystem.
 14. The stroller of claim 13, wherein the secondary pivotlocking system further comprises a second cable or other flexiblemember, a second spring and a second locking device.
 15. The stroller ofclaim 14, further comprising at least one secondary pivot locking systemactuator configured to release the secondary pivot locking system viathe second cable or other flexible member displacing the second lockingdevice.
 16. The stroller of claim 15, wherein the rotation of the secondseat to a position generally parallel to the second frame memberrequires the engagement of the at least one secondary pivot lockingsystem actuator and the at least one primary pivot locking systemactuator.
 17. The stroller of claim 15, wherein the at least onesecondary pivot locking system actuator is located in a position whichis at least partially obstructed by occupancy of a child.
 18. A strollercomprising: an expandable base member with a first peripheral end and asecond peripheral end; a first frame member pivotally connected to theexpandable base member proximate the first peripheral end, wherein thefirst frame member is configured to contain means for retaining a firstseat; a second frame member pivotally connected to the expandable basemember proximate the second peripheral end, wherein the first framemember and second frame member fold independently of each other; and asecond seat comprising a bench seat, wherein the second seat isremovably attached to the second frame member.
 19. The stroller of claim18, wherein: the second frame member comprises at least one frame mounthub; the second seat comprises at least one seat mount pivot, and atleast one seat mount hub; and the second seat is removably attached tothe second frame member by way of the at least one frame mount hubcoupling with the at least one seat mount hub.
 20. The stroller of claim19, wherein each of the at least one seat mount pivot is connected toone of the at least one seat mount hub via an interlocking spring-loadedsystem, said interlocking spring-loaded system configured to prevent therotation of the bench seat about the axis formed by the at least oneseat mount hub.
 21. The stroller of claim 20, further comprising anactuation mechanism connected to at least one cable or other flexiblemember which is routed through at least one seat mount pivot andconfigured to disengage the interlocking gear and allow the bench seatto rotate about the axis formed by the at least one seat mount hub froma generally horizontal state where the bench seat is generally parallelto the base member to a generally vertical state where the bench seat isgenerally parallel to the second frame member.
 22. The stroller of claim21, wherein the actuation mechanism is located at least partially behindor below a bench seat surface.
 23. The stroller of claim 19, wherein thebench seat further comprises two secondary support structures, eachsecondary support structure comprising: a first support member; ahorizontal member; a second support member; wherein the first supportmember is connected to one of the at least one seat mount hub, the firstsupport member is pivotally connected to the horizontal member, thehorizontal member is pivotally connected to the first support member atone peripheral end and the second support member at a second peripheralend and the second support member is pivotally connected to the benchseat, and the two secondary support structures are positioned atrespective sides of the bench seat.
 24. The stroller of claim 19,wherein each of the at least one seat mount hub coupling with the atleast one frame mount hub engages a first locking mechanism, said firstlocking mechanism being configured to prevent the movement of the secondseat along the axis defined by the second frame member.
 25. The strollerof claim 24, further comprising an actuation mechanism configured todecouple the at least one frame mount hub from the at least one seatmount hub in order to release the second seat from the second framemember.
 26. A stroller comprising: an expandable base member with afirst peripheral end and a second peripheral end; a first frame memberpivotally connected to the expandable base member proximate the firstperipheral end, wherein the first frame member is configured to containsmeans for retaining a first seat; a second frame member pivotallyconnected to the expandable base member proximate the second peripheralend, wherein the first frame member and the second frame member foldindependently of one another; and a platform for supporting a standingchild, wherein the platform is supported by a cross-member of theexpandable base member proximate the second peripheral end.
 27. Thestroller of claim 26, wherein the second frame member further comprisesa second seat.
 28. The stroller of claim 26, wherein the platform pivotsrelative to the expandable base member from a first platform positionparallel the expandable base member to a second platform positiongenerally diagonal to the expandable base member.
 29. The stroller ofclaim 28, wherein the second platform position allows a user to stowitems such that items are stowed below the platform when the platform isin the first platform position.